Arklow RNLI to celebrate 200 years of lifesaving with Lifeboat Station Open Day

Established in 1826, Arklow Lifeboat Station is one of Ireland's oldest RNLI stations and has been at the heart of the local community for two centuries. Generations of volunteer lifeboat crew have answered the call to launch in all weather conditions, providing a lifesaving service to those in danger at sea.

To celebrate this historic bicentenary, the station will host a Community Open Day from 12.30pm to 5.30pm, offering visitors the opportunity to meet the volunteer crew, explore the lifeboat station and enjoy a wide range of family-friendly attractions.

The celebrations begin the evening before with a Lifeboat Bingo Night in Árus Lorcáin on Saturday, 1 August, starting at 8pm. The fundraising event will help support the RNLI's lifesaving work, with all funds raised contributing towards the charity's mission of saving lives at sea.

The Open Day will feature a full programme of entertainment and activities, including the traditional Blessing of the Fleet, a Show and Shine car display, live music, BBQ, craft fair, face painting, Hook-a-Duck, Wheel of Fortune, horse and trap rides and the Pirates Express Train.

Visitors can also enjoy displays from the RNLI Museum, a model boat exhibition, the RNLI Sea Safety Team, a free lifejacket clinic and an RNLI pop-up shop.

Families are invited to take part in the International Dog Show, while the Little Warriors Sensory Bus will provide an inclusive space promoting neurodiversity, social inclusion and acceptance within the community.

Subject to operational requirements, representatives from Arklow Fire Service, Arklow Community First Responders, An Garda Síochána Water Unit, Courtown/Arklow Coast Guard Unit and the Customs and Excise Canine Detector Dog Team are also expected to attend, giving visitors an opportunity to meet personnel and learn more about the important role each service plays in protecting the public.

Speaking ahead of the event, Pat Nolan, Fundraising PRO at Arklow RNLI, said:

"Celebrating 200 years of Arklow Lifeboat Station is a proud milestone, not just for our volunteers but for the entire community. This station has a long and proud history of saving lives at sea, made possible through the dedication of generations of volunteer crew and the incredible support of the people of Arklow.

"We would love everyone to come along, meet the crew, enjoy the day and help us celebrate this special anniversary while learning more about the RNLI's lifesaving work and water safety."

The RNLI is funded almost entirely by voluntary donations. The Lifeboat Bingo Night and Lifeboat Station Open Day provide an opportunity to support the charity while recognising the commitment of the volunteers who continue the lifesaving tradition that began in Arklow 200 years ago.

Everyone is welcome to attend what promises to be a memorable weekend celebrating one of Ireland's oldest lifeboat stations and an important chapter in Arklow's maritime history.

Ends

RNLI Media Contacts

For further information, please contact:

- Ciaran Dixon, RNLI Communications Placement Tel: 087 476 4436 email: [email protected], 

- Niamh Stephenson, RNLI Regional Communications Lead Tel: 087 1254 124 email: [email protected]  

- 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.

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.