Swimmers Make a Summer Splash for Dunmore East RNLI
Proudly sponsored by EirGrid, the operator and developer of Ireland's electricity grid, the Dunmore East RNLI Open Water Swim took place on Sunday, 24 May 2026 in brilliant sunshine, drawing swimmers from across the south east of Ireland and beyond to the beautiful waters of Dunmore East.
The event has grown into one of the most popular fundraising occasions on the local calendar, and this year was no different. All money raised goes directly to support the volunteer crew of Dunmore East RNLI, who are ready to respond to emergencies at sea around the clock, every day of the year.
Swimmers of all abilities took part, with three distances on offer: 1,600m, 800m and 500m. Whether stepping into open water for the first time or returning for another year, there was a distance for everyone. Volunteer kayakers and safety boats were on hand throughout to keep all participants safe on the water.
This year saw nearly 400 swimmers registered, making it another tremendous show of support for the lifesaving work of Dunmore East RNLI.
Margaret Barry, Chairperson of Dunmore East RNLI Fundraising Branch, said: 'What a day it was. To see so many swimmers take to the water in Dunmore East, surrounded by such warmth and community spirit, was truly special. This event is our biggest fundraiser of the year and it simply would not happen without the incredible support of EirGrid, our sponsors, our volunteers, and everyone who came out on the day.
On behalf of the entire station, I want to say a heartfelt thank you to each and every person who played a part. The funds raised will make a real difference to our crew and to the people they go out to help.'
Sinead Dooley, Head of Public Engagement at EirGrid, said: 'This event is a culmination of months of hard work, and I would like to congratulate all involved in making today such a success.
For a third year, EirGrid is proud to be supporting the Dunmore East RNLI Open Water Swim and the essential work it and its many volunteers do. Communities are at the heart of grid development, enabling the transitioning of Ireland’s electricity grid to a cleaner energy future.'
Funds raised go directly towards keeping the volunteer crew of Dunmore East RNLI equipped, trained and ready to save lives at sea.
RNLI Media Contacts
For further information, please contact:
Peter Grogan, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for RNLI Ireland, [email protected]
Nuala McAloon, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for Ireland, 087 648 3547, [email protected]
Niamh Stephenson, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for Ireland, 087 125 4124, [email protected]
RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789, [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.