Aran Islands RNLI give a big ‘Céad Míle Fáilte’
Students from two island communities experienced a behind-the-scenes look at lifesaving efforts on the Aran Islands during their visit to the RNLI station.
While the pleasant weather has made its return just in time for the Easter holidays, so have the tourists on the Aran Islands. Schools around Ireland and Europe make their way to the Aran Islands to learn about the rich history of the island and for some schools, they learn about the RNLI and the crew that save lives at sea.
Students from Groix, a small island northwest of France paid a visit to the station on Monday (7 April). The students of Groix were keen to share that their island is home to a lifeboat named SNS 147 Notre-Dame-du-Calme and is operated by the Société Nationale de Sauvetage en Mer (SNSM), France’s national sea rescue organisation. They proudly discussed the lifeboat’s role in safeguarding the island’s waters and how important the lifeboat is for their community.
The Inis Oírr students from Coláiste Ghobnait were delighted to visit the station on Wednesday (9 April). The tour was conducted in the Irish language by Station Coxswain Aonghus Ó hIarnáin. The students learned about the station history including the lifeboats and rescues throughout the years. They also learned about the training the crew go through to prepare themselves for when the pager goes.
It was a special moment for Coláiste Ghobnait teacher, Teresa O’ Brien, whose grandfather and great-grandfather were both Coxswains at the Aran Islands Lifeboat Station.
All students were taught ‘float to live’ and how important it is if they find themselves in trouble in water: Tilt your head back with ears submerged; relax and try to control your breathing; use your hands to help you stay afloat; it's OK if your legs sink - we all float differently.
Aonghus Ó hIarnáin, Station Coxswain, said: ‘We were delighted to welcome students from Inis Oírr and Île de Groix. Though separated by sea and country, their visit reminded us how deeply connected communities can be through a common commitment to maritime safety and heritage.’
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RNLI media contacts
For more information please contact Treasa Ní Bhraonáin, Aran Islands RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 085 1500 564 or email [email protected] or Nuala McAloon, RNLI Regional Communications Manager on 087 648 3547 or email [email protected] or Niamh Stephenson, RNLI Regional Communications Lead on 087 1254 124 or [email protected]
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,000 lives.
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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.