The number of people rescued by the RNLI increased by for the first six months of this year compared with the same period in 2007.
A total of 503 people had to be rescued from January to June, 75 more than in the same period last year.
Lifeboats launched 439 times in the first six months of the year showing, according to the RNLI that, despite the unpredictable weather this year, more people are continuing to take to the water for commercial and leisure activities.
The busiest stations in Ireland were Dún Laoghaire, which launched 36 times, and Crosshaven in Co Cork, which launched 25 times.
Lifeboats and volunteer crews are now based in 43 stations covering the coastline and inland on Lough Derg in Tipperary and Lough Erne in Enniskillen.
The new RNLI Divisional Inspector for Ireland, Martyn Smith, said the organisation would be continuing to invest in training, infrastructure and education in sea safety.
