RNLI issues Mayday appeal after Northern Ireland crews rescue 214 people in 2025

The RNLI has issued its own urgent Mayday call after new figures revealed its volunteer lifeboat crews across Northern Ireland were launched 235 times in 2025, bringing 214 people to safety, including three lives saved.

The newly released data, published today by the lifesaving charity, also shows that 80 of those call-outs took place in darkness, underlining the scale and intensity of demand facing volunteer crews at the region’s 10 lifeboat stations.

Alongside the lifeboat figures, RNLI lifeguards responded to 329 incidents, assisting 382 people, with seven lives saved.

The statistics paint a stark picture of just how often RNLI volunteers are being called into action on Northern Ireland’s coastlines and waterways — and come as the charity launches a fresh fundraising appeal ahead of the busy summer season.

Charity launches Mayday Mile fundraising appeal

In response to the scale of demand, the RNLI is urging the public to support its biggest national fundraising campaign, the Mayday Mile.

The challenge asks participants to cover one mile every day throughout May, with money raised helping to fund the charity’s lifesaving work, including equipment, training, rescue operations and frontline support for crews and lifeguards.

The appeal comes at a crucial time, with warmer weather and longer evenings expected to bring increased numbers of people to beaches, harbours, rivers and open water locations across Northern Ireland.

Every donation, the charity says, helps ensure crews have the resources needed to respond quickly during the high-pressure summer months and beyond.

Portrush RNLI highlights pressure on crews

Karl O’Neill, Coxswain at Portrush RNLI, said the newly published figures underline just how quickly emergencies can unfold at sea.

He said: “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.”

He added: “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.”

The figures offer a powerful reminder of the often unseen work carried out by RNLI volunteers, many of whom leave their homes and workplaces at a moment’s notice to respond to distress calls.

Lifeguards also faced heavy demand

The RNLI said its lifeguard teams were also kept exceptionally busy throughout 2025, attending 329 incidents and helping 382 people.

Of those incidents, seven were classed as lives saved, highlighting the critical role lifeguards continue to play on Northern Ireland’s beaches.

The charity said incidents frequently involve paddleboarders caught by offshore winds, walkers cut off by rising tides, and boaters getting into difficulty.

Linda-Gene Byrne, RNLI Water Safety Lead, said the latest figures show the lifesaving service remains under sustained pressure.

She said: “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.”

She added: “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.”

Public urged to get involved ahead of summer

The RNLI is encouraging people across Ballymena, the wider north coast and beyond to take part in the Mayday Mile challenge in whatever way suits them — whether by walking, jogging, hopping or skipping a mile each day during May.

With the summer season approaching, the charity is hoping strong public support will help keep its volunteer crews fully equipped and ready for what is traditionally one of the busiest periods of the year.

People can sign up for the challenge or make a donation to support RNLI lifesavers via the charity’s official Mayday campaign page.

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At a glance

• RNLI lifeboats in Northern Ireland launched 235 times in 2025

• Volunteer crews brought 214 people to safety

• Three lives were saved by lifeboat crews

• 80 launches took place during darkness

• RNLI operates 10 lifeboat stations in Northern Ireland

• Lifeguards attended 329 incidents

• Lifeguards assisted 382 people

• Seven lives were saved by lifeguards

• Charity has launched its Mayday Mile fundraising campaign

• Public asked to complete one mile a day throughout May