RNLI Lough Derg

06/11/2026

A special moment following out station meetings this evening as Sadhbh Shoer was presented with her first RNLI pager by Christine O’Malley, Lifeboat Operator Manager.
It was made all the more memorable as Sadhbh’s mum, Deirdre Gleeson, Crew and Trainee Navigator, was there to share this important occasion with her.
It is uniquely wonderful to have a mother and daughter on the crew at our station.

There will be plenty to learn along the way, but with her Mum showing her the ropes (literary and figuratively), we have every confidence in Sadhbh, and wish her continuing success in her role as a lifeboat woman. RNLI

📸 Eleanor Ho**er

04/11/2026

🛟🎁🎄 ALL WELCOME 🎄🎁 🛟

Please join us, 10.30am-1pm, Tuesday 10 November for the Lough Derg RNLI Christmas card and gift sale and coffee morning.
The event, organised by the Lough Derg RNLI fundraising committee, will take place, by kind permission, in the Muintir na Tíre Hall in Ballycommon (please note the change of venue this year 🏠)
We look forward to seeing you there.

Items for sale include RNLI calendars. advent calendars, RNLI wooden boat, occasional blank cards, Christmas decorations, RNLI teddy suitable as a 🎄tree decoration and much more.

25/10/2026

At 4:27pm today, Sunday 25 October, following an alert from a member of the public, Valencia Coast Guard requested Lough Derg Lifeboat volunteers to launch to assist a windsurfer, who appeared to be in difficulty off Mountshannon Harbour.
As the RNLI volunteer crew assembled at the station to launch, the Lifeboat was stood down after the person returned safely to shore.

Aoife Kennedy, Launching Authority with Lough Derg RNLI said ‘this was a false alarm but with good intent, our thanks to the public for their vigilance.
We would like to remind everyone, if you find yourself unexpectedly in the water, remember the 4-Step technique of ‘Float to Live ' - resist the natural instinct to thrash or swim hard, which drains your energy and triggers panic. Instead, follow these steps:
• Tilt your head back with your ears submerged to keep your airway clear.
• Relax and try to breathe normally to overcome the initial gasping response of cold-water shock.
• Gently move your hands and legs to help maintain balance (it is completely normal if your legs sink, as everyone floats differently).
• Call for help or swim to safety only once your breathing is under control.
If you see a person in difficulty in the water dial 112 or 999 and ask for the Coastguard.”

22/10/2026

🌊💨Irish Coast Guard, Water Safety Ireland and RNLI urge public to keep Water Safety in mind on Bank Holiday Weekend as weather changes🌊

This October Bank Holiday weekend, the Irish Coast Guard, Water Safety Ireland and the RNLI are urging those planning coastal, inland water or outdoor activities to take extra care as storm Austen approaches. With clocks going back, daylight hours will be getting shorter, water temperatures are dropping and the weather is changing with a storm warning issued for parts of Ireland.



The warning comes as the three organisations reflect on the busiest summer on record for search and rescue incidents and thank all frontline emergency service personnel, lifeguards, rescue volunteers and rescue teams who worked tirelessly throughout a particularly demanding summer period.



Heading into the bank holiday weekend, Storm Austen is expected to bring strong winds and heavy rain to parts of Ireland, which can pose a safety risk to those visiting the coast. People should exercise caution if visiting the shoreline, especially along exposed cliffs, seafronts and piers.

Those heading out for cliff, beach and coastal walks should:

🛟 Check weather and tide times before setting out.

🛟 Be aware of the risk of being cut off by incoming tides.

🛟 Keep well back from cliff edges and unstable ground.

🛟 Carry a fully charged mobile phone and let someone know your plans.



Swimmers should avoid entering the water during stormy weather or when strong winds, waves or currents make swimming unsafe. With daylight hours shortening and the lifeguard season over, choose locally recognised safe swimming areas, avoid swimming alone and ensure you leave the water before darkness falls. As water temperatures drop, shorten your swims and be mindful of the risks of cold-water shock, hypothermia and reduced swimming ability. Wear appropriate equipment, including a wetsuit, brightly coloured swim cap and tow float.



If you see somebody in trouble on the water or along the coast or think that they are in trouble, use marine VHF radio Ch 16 or dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.

Photo Credit: RNLI/Nigel Millard - Clifden RNLI on exercise

20/10/2026

11/10/2026

Following a request from Captain Paraic Slattery of Rescue 115, the Irish Coast Guard Search and Rescue Helicopter, to his fellow volunteers at Lough Derg RNLI, crews gathered at the station for a joint land and water winching exercise yesterday afternoon, Saturday 10 October.

The session began with a comprehensive briefing before moving on to practical training, allowing the crews to work together and practise the techniques required during helicopter winching operations.

The value of these joint exercises cannot be overstated. They provide an invaluable opportunity for Coast Guard and RNLI crews to develop teamwork to gain a greater understanding of each other’s roles, equipment and procedures.

By training together in realistic scenarios, crews can build confidence and ensure they are better prepared to respond effectively when called upon to assist those in need.

Ultimately, these exercises help strengthen the working relationship between both services, ensuring that when lives are at risk, everyone involved work seamlessly to deliver a safe, efficient and professional rescue response.
Irish Coast Guard RNLI

02/10/2026

🌬️ If you can see it, hear it or feel it, it's too windy to paddle.

Many paddleboarders get caught out by offshore winds because the water can appear calm and inviting. But looks can be deceiving.

A Force 4 wind (20 km/h or 13 mph) can push a paddleboarder around one mile offshore in just 30 minutes.



That's why we encourage:

🚪 Force 4 or more, close the door. Or simply remember: 🍀 13 mph = unlucky for paddleboarding ✅ 20 km/h = plenty of wind to stay ashore



Before heading out, check the forecast, look around and ask:

💨 Dust or rubbish blowing?
🌳 Small branches moving?
🌊 White horses forming?
👂 Wind gusts easy to hear?
👕 Wind moving your clothing or board?

If the answer is yes, think twice before launching.

🏄‍♂️ The safest paddle is the one where you return safely. Please Share

30/09/2026

🛟🎁🎄 ALL WELCOME 🎄🎁 🛟

Please join us, 10.30am-1pm, Tuesday 10 November for the Lough Derg RNLI Christmas card and gift sale and coffee morning.
The event, organised by the Lough Derg RNLI fundraising committee, will take place, by kind permission, in the Muintir na Tíre Hall in Ballycommon.
We look forward to seeing you there.

29/09/2026

A great moment at the station today as RNLI volunteer Denis Ryan receives his first pager from Christine O’Malley, Lifeboat Operations Manager at Lough Derg RNLI.

Denis has already been putting in the hours on the boat training, and today marks the next step as he joins the pager crew for Shouts.

From your fellow volunteers, congratulations, Denis, we're delighted for you, and look forward to continuing the training, teamwork and commitment that goes into our lifesaving work.

18/09/2026

Our lifesaving work wouldn't be possible without our selfless and dedicated volunteers. If you would like to nominate a RNLI volunteer who deserves an award, you can nominate them on the Volunteer Ireland website here:
www.volunteer.ie/nominate