The lifeboats of the RNLI have been saving lives in Irish and UK waters since 1824. Almost entirely run by volunteers, the RNLI have rescued over 144,000 lives since founded, often in very challenging conditions.  

In this episode of the Met Éireann Podcast, Noel visits the Sligo Bay Lifeboat station and speaks with the crew on how they carry out their vital work and the impact that weather can have on their operations. Noel is first given a tour of the station by Operations Manager Willie Murphy, and then joins Helm Eithne Davis onboard for a detailed run-through of the lifeboat itself. Noel then sits down with Willie, Eithne and RNLI water safety representative, Tim Doran, to learn more about how rescues are carried out, the training involved and how best to remain safe in or around water.