RNLI lifeboat crews in Galway carried out more than 100 rescue operations last year. The figures were announced as the charity gears up for a new fundraising initiative to help raise funds for the organisation.
Figures released for 2024 show that the charity's lifeboats in Clifden, Galway City and the Aran Islands had a total of 104 rescue launches in 2024, coming to the aid of 94 people, with 38 of the launches carried out in the hours of darkness.
RNLI Area Operations Manager Amy O'Connor said the activity of the three lifeboat stations in Co Galway shows that the demand for their services remains high, adding that their lifesavers drop "everything to run to the lifeboat station when the call comes".
"We’re now heading towards our busiest time of year, so we’re putting out our call for help to raise the funds which will help keep our lifesaving service going today and allow us to be there when we’re needed most," she added.
The charity is putting out its own 'Mayday' call and urging the public to get involved with its national fundraising event.
The 'Mayday Mile' is an initiative whereby participants are being challenged to cover a mile a day for the month of May.
"Whether you choose to walk, jog, hop or skip, a mile every day in May will help raise vital funds for RNLI lifesavers, so that they can continue to keep people safe at sea," said Ms O'Connor.
Across the 46 stations on the island of Ireland, lifeboat crews launched 881 times last year, and volunteer crews brought 1,007 people to safety. Some 234 of those launches were carried out in the hours of darkness.
