
Dunmore East RNLI Makes Waves with Annual Open Water Swim
Hundreds of swimmers, ranging from beginners to advanced, fearlessly took on the challenge of the Dunmore East RNLI Open Water Swim over the June bank holiday weekend in glorious sunshine.
Sponsored by EirGrid, the operator and developer of Ireland’s electricity grid, this event is a key annual fixture in supporting the invaluable work of Dunmore East RNLI, whose volunteers provide an on-call maritime search and rescue service 24/7, 365 days a year.
Delighted with the success of the weekend’s event, Margaret Barry, Chairperson of Dunmore East RNLI Fundraising Branch said, 'The unwavering support from participants, volunteers, sponsors, and the community has once again demonstrated our collective dedication to promoting water safety and supporting the invaluable work of the Dunmore East RNLI.'
She adds: 'I extend heartfelt gratitude to everyone involved for their contributions and commitment. Together, we've made a real difference, and we look forward to building upon this momentum in the years to come.'
Held on 02 June, over 360 registered swimmers from across Ireland and beyond attended the event, promoting a sense of positivity, joy, and personal fulfilment, all while raising necessary funds for the RNLI.
The event featured three swim options, offering distances of 1,600m, 800m, and 500m, thereby providing opportunities for individuals of all skill levels to test their mettle in the invigorating open water.
Speaking at the event Sinead Dooley, Head of Public Engagement at EirGrid said, 'EirGrid is proud to be supporting the Dunmore East RNLI Open Water Swim and the essential work it and its many volunteers do. Communities are at the heart of grid development, enabling the transitioning of Ireland’s electricity grid to a cleaner energy future.
Today’s event is a culmination of months of hard work, and I would like to congratulate all involved in making today such a success.'
In 2024, the RNLI celebrates 200 years of saving lives at sea – thanks to volunteers giving their time to save others, all funded by voluntary public donations. Throughout its 200th anniversary year, this event is just one of many to commemorate its history, celebrate the vital lifesaving service it provides today.
ENDS
RNLI media contacts
For more information, please contact Dunmore East Lifeboat Press Officer, Peter Grogan on [email protected] or Nuala McAloon, RNLI Regional Communications Manager on 087 648 3547 or email [email protected] or Niamh Stephenson, RNLI Regional Communications Lead on 087 1254 124 or [email protected] or Tom McGuire, Regional Communications Manager on 0874764436 or email [email protected]
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.
Learn more about the RNLI
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.
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.