RNLI lifesavers from Louth prepare to answer the call this Christmas

The RNLI is launching its Christmas fundraising appeal, as its volunteer lifeboat crews, including RNLI lifesavers from Clogherhead in Louth, selflessly prepare to spend their Christmas on call. 

On average, RNLI lifeboats launch over 100 times during the Christmas period (24 December – 1 January inclusive) every year, with 119 launches in 2024. 

Whatever weather winter throws at them, RNLI crews including those at Clogherhead are ready to leave their celebrations with friends and family to battle the elements and save lives at sea.  

These rescues, and others all year round, are only made possible by the RNLI’s generous supporters, helping to fund the essential kit, training and equipment needed to keep crews prepared and protected.  

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Christmas is a time for family and friends, but the RNLI’s volunteer crews are ready to leave their own celebrations this festive season and answer the call for help.  

Among those preparing for a Christmas on call at Clogherhead RNLI is volunteer Coxswain Tomas Whelahan.

Tomas, a fisherman by trade has been on the crew for over 30 years and has been a Coxswain for over seven years. Born and bred in the village, the lifeboat was always going to be a part of his life.

"The people ahead of me were on the lifeboat crew, so it was something I was always going to be involved with. I live right on the beach and the RNLI was always a focal point in the village, so it was a natural thing for me to be volunteer and join the crew when my time came all those years ago.

"It was a step up when I trained to become a Coxswain but as you get older and more experienced, the knowledge comes easier. I do it to help people who are in difficulty and bring them home. If someone is in difficulty, we are there.’

As everyone at Clogherhead RNLI prepares for another Christmas on call, Tomas says if the pagers go off, the approach will be the same as every other day: "There’s no feeling quite like bringing someone home safe to their families – especially at Christmas. 

"Even at this time of year, people still get in trouble in the water, and we’re all prepared to leave our own celebrations to help them.  

"But as volunteer lifeboat crew we couldn’t launch without kind donations from the public which fund the kit, training and equipment we need to save others and get home safely to our own families.’ 

To make a donation to the RNLI’s Christmas Appeal, and enable the charity to continue its lifesaving work, visit: RNLI.org/WinterAppeal