New Lifeboat Operations Manager at Lough Ree RNLI ready for Christmas on call

On average, RNLI lifeboats launch over 100 times during the Christmas period* every year, with 119 launches in 2024.

Whatever weather winter throws at them, RNLI crews including those at Lough Ree are ready to leave their celebrations with friends and family to battle the elements and 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 those preparing for their first Christmas on call in a variety of roles at Lough Ree RNLI are new volunteers Dave McCourt, Maeve Kelly, Naveen Marth, Tony Commins, Evan McMickan, Aaron Ruane, Ankur Arora, Jackelin Winnett, Dr. Kate McCormick, Michael Pigott and Mairéad Mallon.

Among them is Dave McCourt, the new volunteer Lifeboat Operations Manager at Lough Ree RNLI. He is three months into his new role and enjoying the responsibility that comes with leading a dedicated team of volunteers.

‘I live 3km from the lifeboat station and spend a lot of my time at Coosan Point either rowing or open water swimming,’ Dave explains. ‘I have always been aware of the work of the RNLI since the station was established here, both professionally and with my family and it was a case of getting involved at the right time.’

Dave who works in social housing, spent 21 years in the Defence Forces’ Corps of Engineering which provided him with many transferrable skills he now uses to carry out the Lifeboat Operations Manager role.

At Lough Ree RNLI, he is tasked with the leadership of the station’s operations team, ensuring that all operational activities are carried out to maintain the inshore lifeboat and her associated equipment so they are in a constant state of readiness for launching. Dave along with his fellow Launch Authorities is also responsible for authorising the launch of the lifeboat.

‘I am really enjoying it. There is a lot to get to grips with but there is a lot of positivity at the station, and the team are great in embodying a one crew ethos regardless of what volunteer role they have. The team have great ideas and we are also welcoming a lot of new blood into the station too.

As for what he finds most rewarding about giving his time, Dave says: ‘It is the purpose behind the RNLI - saving lives and keeping the lake safe so people can enjoy it. Knowing the RNLI is there if something happens is important. There is also great camaraderie among the team and everyone works really well together.’

Looking towards his first Christmas on call, Dave’s says the approach will be the same as any other day: ‘There’s no feeling quite like bringing someone home safe to their families – especially at Christmas. Even at this time of year, people still get in trouble in the water, and we’re all prepared to leave our own celebrations to help them.

‘But as volunteers we couldn’t launch our lifeboat without kind donations from the public which fund the kit, training and equipment we need to save others and get home safely to our own families.’

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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Photo Details

Photo 1

Lough Ree RNLI’s new Lifeboat Operations Manager Dave McCourt

Photo 2

Pictured are some of Lough Ree RNLI’s new volunteers, Dave McCourt in the foreground, Maeve Kelly in the front seat, Naveen Marth on the left and Tony Commins on the right in the middle seat, with Evan McMickan at the rear. Credit: Tom Cunningham

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI is the charity that 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 146,700 lives.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, TikTok 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.