
RNLI lifesavers on Lough Erne prepare to answer the call this Christmas
As the RNLI comes to the end of its milestone 200th year, the charity is launching its annual Christmas fundraising appeal, with a focus on the volunteer crew members who are preparing to spend Christmas on call.
On average, RNLI lifeboats launch over 100 times during the Christmas period* every year. Whatever weather winter throws at them, RNLI crews including those at Carrybridge and Enniskillen, are ready to battle the elements to save lives on the water. These rescues, and others all year round, are only made possible by the RNLI’s generous supporters, helping to fund the essential kit, training and equipment needed to keep crews prepared and protected.
Christmas is a time for family and friends, but the RNLI’s volunteer crews are ready to leave their own celebrations this festive season and answer the call for help. Among the thousands of crew members preparing for Christmas, is Matthew Maguire who joined Carrybridge RNLI in August.
Matthew is one of a number of new volunteers at Carrybridge RNLI on upper Lough Erne. Eamonn McManus, Ronnie Heslop, Richard Neely, Lee Morrison and Douglas McFarland have also joined as inshore lifeboat crew while Ciaran Smyth is a new shore crew member and Emma Burton and Stephen Somerville have come onboard as Launch Authorities.
Matthew who is originally from Ederney, was first inspired to join the crew when seeing a neighbour run to the car when their pager went off for call outs on lower Lough Erne, and now living at Macken Cross between Carrybridge and Kinawley, when he saw the recruitment drive for new volunteers at Carrybridge, he knew he would be within the geographical radius to respond to call outs on the upper lough.
‘I have always had an interest growing up and have a memory of my neighbour running for the car to respond to shouts at Enniskillen RNLI,’ Matthew explains. ‘I also remember in primary school going on an education trip to the lifeboat station, so the interest was always there. When I saw Carrybridge RNLI was looking for applications, I thought I would take the opportunity to get involved and I am loving it. The RNLI training is fantastic, and I have just recently returned from completing a Crew Emergency Procedures course at the RNLI’s College in Poole, Dorset which was really good.’
As he looks ahead to his first Christmas carrying a pager and to responding to his first call out when it comes, Matthew is prepared: ‘I am ready and waiting and when the time comes, I will go and do the best I can.
‘Responding to call outs over Christmas is treated just like any other day for our crews on Lough Erne - we are on call 365 days a year and whatever comes up we know that thanks to our training we are prepared. As volunteer lifeboat crew we couldn’t launch without kind donations from the public which fund the kit, training and equipment we need to save others and we are very grateful.’
To make a donation to the RNLI’s Christmas Appeal, and enable the charity to continue its lifesaving work, visit: RNLI.org/WinterAppeal
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Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,000 lives.
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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.