New Lifeboat Operations Manager among RNLI lifesavers on call this Christmas
The RNLI is launching its Christmas fundraising appeal, as its volunteer lifeboat crews including those at Skerries, Howth and Dun Laoghaire, selflessly prepare to spend their 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 the charity’s Dublin lifeboat stations, are ready to leave their celebrations with friends and family to battle the elements and save lives at sea.
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 is Peter Duff, the new Lifeboat Operations Manager at Skerries RNLI.
Peter, a retired Garda from north Dublin, is three months into his new role and enjoying the responsibility that comes with leading a dedicated team of volunteers.
‘While I am not originally from Skerries, I know it well and socialise here. I seen the volunteer position advertised locally on Facebook and when I looked at the competencies required, I felt I had a lot of transferrable skills from my previous career when I worked in management. The RNLI is an organisation I always had a great respect for over the years, and I thought I could do this role and would like the opportunity to contribute in some small way.’
In his role as Lifeboat Operations Managers at Skerries, Peter 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.
‘It has been a massive learning experience so far and I have been getting to know all the various roles within the station. I have met a lot of people by coming down on training nights and doing admin tasks when the volunteers are working and I am learning from other people’s knowledge.’
As for what he finds most rewarding about being involved, Peter says: It’s helping people. Knowing that you can play some small part in putting the lifeboat on the water and that you can assist the crew in some way when they return, that is rewarding.’
Looking towards his first Christmas on call, Peter says for those at Skerries and across the RNLI, it will be treated the same as every 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 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 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
Ends
*Christmas period refers to 24 December – 1 January inclusive and launch statistics cover the RNLI in Ireland and the UK.
2024: 119
2023: 120
2022: 102
2021: 107
2020: 108
RNLI media contacts
For information please contact Niamh Stephenson, RNLI Regional Communications Lead Tel: 087 1254 124 email: [email protected] or Nuala McAloon, RNLI Regional Communications Manager Tel: 087 648 3547 email: [email protected]
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.
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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.