The RNLI is launching its Mayday Mile fundraiser as the charity’s rescue figures for 2020 show that volunteer lifeboat crews at its lifeboat stations in Mayo launched 21 times and brought 16 people to safety.
The RNLI operates two lifeboat stations in Mayo at Ballyglass and Achill Island. Seven of those launches were carried out in the hours of darkness.
Nationally, over half (53 per cent ) of the charity’s 945 lifeboat launches took place in the months of June, July and August. Volunteer lifeboat crews are getting ready for what they expect will be a busy summer, with people continuing to holiday at home. Last year, with the country dealing with restrictions put in place to fight the pandemic, lifeboat crews were still busy, bringing 1,145 people to safety.
The RNLI’s Mayday campaign begins on Saturday, May 1 and runs throughout the month. Lifesavers are calling on supporters to join the Mayday Mile and cover the distance for the charity in any way they choose to raise vital funds to help lifeboat crews continue their work. Sign up at RNLI.org/SupportMayday Ballyglass RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager, Padraic Sheeran, said: "On behalf of our crew and fundraisers I want to thank everyone who supports the RNLI and the work we do. Belmullet and the surrounding areas have welcomed visitors for many years, and we look forward to doing so again as restrictions ease. We hope that people will stay safe when they enjoy the water and call for help if they see someone in trouble. Our fundraising appeal this year will look very different with no face-to-face collections, but we hope people will sign up online and support us."
Achill Island RNLI Coxswain, Dave Curtis, added: "Our lifeboat crews will be on call as always and we are very grateful for the support we get from the public, which goes to fund our training and equipment. We have been on call throughout the pandemic and our crews have had to get familiar with wearing PPE on the water, keeping themselves and the people they rescue safe. In taking part in the Mayday Mile people will be helping to save lives at sea and supporting the lifeboat crews."
To sign up for the Mayday Mile, or to make a donation in support of the RNLI’s lifesavers, visit RNLI.org/supportMayday
