RNLI puts out its own Mayday call as charity’s lifeboats launched 235 times with volunteers bringing 214 people to safety in 2025
The RNLI has released new figures for 2025 showing that lifeboats across Northern Ireland were launched 235 times last year, with volunteer crews at its 10 stations bringing 214 people to safety, including three lives saved.
Of those callouts, 80 took place during hours of darkness it has been revealed.
At Carrybridge on Upper Lough Erne, the local RNLI station launched 20 times, assisting 48 people. Six of those rescues were carried out at night.
RNLI lifeguards were also in high demand, responding to 329 incidents and aiding 382 people, seven of whom were lives saved.
The charity says the figures highlight the continued pressure on its crews and lifeguards, as it launches its annual fundraising appeal, the Mayday Mile.
Participants are challenged to cover a mile a day for the month of May, with every penny raised helping to make sure that the charity’s lifesavers have everything they need to keep people safe this summer and beyond.
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 and on our inland waterways.
David Reid, Carrybridge RNLI Helm, says: “Each year we see how quickly things can change on the water. Our crews are always ready to respond, but we can only do what we do thanks to the public’s generosity. This May, we’re asking people to step up and support us through the Mayday Mile so we can keep saving lives when it matters most.
“The new figures show just how demanding last year was. Every launch represents someone in urgent need — and our volunteers drop everything to help. With summer approaching, Mayday is our chance to make sure we have the equipment and training needed for whatever comes next.”
Linda-Gene Byrne, RNLI Water Safety Lead, added: “These latest statistics make it clear that our lifesaving service remains as vital as ever. Whether it’s paddleboarders caught by offshore winds, walkers stranded by the tide or boaters in difficulty, our crews are answering calls every day of the year.
“Taking part in the Mayday Mile is a simple way for people to support our volunteers. Every pound raised helps ensure our crews can launch at a moment’s notice — and be there for families when they need us most.”