Emergency services set to gather for Bundoran RNLI’s open day

The free family event will take place from 1-4pm and promises an afternoon of displays, demonstrations and interactive activities, giving members of the public a unique opportunity to meet the people behind the emergency services that help keep communities safe every day.

Visitors will be able to explore a wide range of emergency vehicles, specialist rescue equipment and displays while learning more about the work carried out by the organisations that respond to incidents across land, sea and water. CPR demonstrations, safety advice and opportunities to speak directly with emergency service personnel will form part of the afternoon's programme.

Emergency services and organisations expected to attend together with the volunteer crew of Bundoran RNLI, include Bundoran Fire and Rescue Service, An Garda Síochána, the Armed Support Unit, National Ambulance Service, BT Emergency Call Answering Service (ECAS), Donegal Bay Community First Responders, the 28th Infantry Battalion at Finner Camp, Killybegs Coast Guard, Tyrone Underwater Search and Recovery and Donegal Mountain Rescue Team. Attendance remains subject to operational requirements.

Shane Smyth, event organiser and Bundoran RNLI volunteer, said: ‘We are incredibly fortunate to have so many dedicated emergency services and volunteer organisations serving our local area. Our open day is an opportunity to celebrate the work they do every day, while giving members of the public the chance to meet the people behind the uniforms, explore their equipment and gain a better understanding of how these organisations work together when emergencies happen.

‘The event is also about education. Whether it's learning CPR, receiving water safety advice, or simply discovering more about the role of each organisation, we hope visitors will leave with a greater appreciation of the people who work tirelessly to keep our communities safe.’

Daimon Fergus, Bundoran RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager added: ‘Our open day has grown year on year and has become a fantastic showcase of the teamwork that exists between the emergency services across the North West. We are extremely grateful to all of our colleagues who give up their time to attend and share their knowledge and experience with the public. We look forward to welcoming everyone to Bundoran Lifeboat Station for what promises to be another enjoyable and informative afternoon.’

Visitors will also have the opportunity to purchase RNLI souvenirs from the RNLI pop-up shop, with all proceeds supporting the charity's lifesaving work.

Admission is free and everyone is welcome.

Ends

RNLI Media Contacts

For further information, please contact: Breffni Gorman, Bundoran RNLI Lifeboat Press Officer at [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.

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.