First “Shout” of 2026 for RNLI volunteer crew at Kirkcudbright

Despite being during the holidays, very quickly the crew on standby 24/7, were tasked, along with Kirkcudbright Coastguard Team to go to the assistance of a “stand up” paddle boarder who was in difficulties near Arwall Island.

Kirkcudbright Volunteer Crew launched the ILF “Sheila Stenhouse” but was stood down en-route as our colleagues on the Fleet Bay Inshore Rescue boat assisted the casualty.

Although very cold, the weather is tempting for paddle boarding at the moment. RNLI provide excellent safety advice and it is advisable to check this before venturing out at this time of the year.

https://rnli.org/safety/choose-your-activity/kayaking-and-canoeing

The picture shows the ILB Sheila Stenhouse leaving the pontoon on the river where she is being moored at present while the new Boathouse Extension is under construction.

At the end of a very busy 2025 for crew and fund-raisers alike everyone is looking forward to this new facility being completed.

The entire crew of Kirkcudbright Lifeboat Station wish everyone a very Safe and Happy New Year

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.