RNLI lifesavers from Waterford prepare to answer the call this Christmas
The RNLI is launching its Christmas fundraising appeal, as its volunteer lifeboat crews at Helvick Head, Dunmore East and Tramore, 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 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 a Christmas on call are father and son Alan and Rian Kelly. Alan has been a crew member for over 30 years while Rian joined as soon as he was eligible in June 2023.
An apprentice electrician by trade, Rian was born into a house of lifeboating.
‘Whenever the pager would go off in the house,’ he explains, ‘I would be first down to the station even though I couldn’t go out on the lifeboat. I was inspired by my Dad’s involvement and seeing and hearing all the great things that have been done over the years. I know my younger brother is keen to join now too but he will have to wait.
‘I grew up knowing how brilliant the RNLI was as a charity and from been down in the station since I was a toddler, I would watch as the crew would come in after a call out and people would give them a clap, or if the crew were in Dungarvan, people would stop to take pictures and you could see how appreciative they were of the lifesaving work that they did.’
Since joining himself, Rian says the reward comes from being able to do one’s best: ‘There is a sense of pride that comes with it. There is no feeling like being able to help someone or to know you are doing your best even when the outcome isn’t always good. I think it is a settler for families knowing that someone has tried. And when you do rescue someone, I have never had a feeling like that.’
As for a family Christmas on call, Rian says it will be treated the same as every other day of the year: ‘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 volunteer lifeboat crews like ourselves at Helvick Head, Dunmore East and Tramore, couldn’t launch our lifeboats 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 more information, please contact 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]
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.