Larne RNLI will celebrate 30 years of lifesaving with an open day at the lifeboat station on Northern Ireland ’s East Antrim coast this Saturday 22 June from noon to 4pm. Everyone is welcome to join the volunteer crew to celebrate this momentous occasion. Events on the day will include a barbecue, kids treasure hunt, glitter tattoos (for all ages!), a fundraising pop-up shop as well as a visit from some friends in the emergency services.
You’ll also have the chance to meet the station’s dedicated volunteers, learn about how they train and the different types of rescues they have experienced over the last 30 years. The crew will also share top water safety tips on how to enjoy the beautiful Antrim coast safely this summer whether you’re planning a fishing trip , swimming , kayaking or just an enjoyable day by the beach. 2024 is also the RNLI’s 200th anniversary.
Since the charity was founded in 1824 following an appeal from Sir William Hillary, who lived on the Isle of Man and witnessed many shipwrecks, the RNLI has continued saving lives at sea throughout the tests of its history. Two centuries have seen vast developments in the lifeboats and kit used by the charity’s lifesavers — from the early oar-powered vessels to today’s technology-packed boats, which are now built in-house by the charity; and from the rudimentary cork lifejackets of the 1850s to the full protective kit each crew member is now issued with. The RNLI’s lifesaving reach and remit has also .
