Fenit RNLI

Fenit RNLI Established 1879

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https://www.idonate.ie/cause/fenitrnli Sharing this in case anyone wants to help out—really appreciate it! 💙

History


Here are some interesting facts about the station. Fenit Lifeboat Station

•1879 A lifeboat station was established and a boathouse was built at Outward Fenit
•1892 The lifeboat station name, known at the time as Tralee Bay, was changed to Fenit
•1920 A Bronze Medal was awarded to 12-year-old John F O'Mahony for bravely attempting to save a friend at Lighthouse Point, Fenit.
•1928 The l

ifeboat was placed on moorings in the harbour.
•1930 Bronze Medals were awarded to John Nolan, John Cahill and Joseph Cahill, fishermen of Tralee, for saving the crew of three of the steamship Co-operator.

•1933 Silver watches were presented to Coxswain Thomas Crowley and Mechanic John Doyle for an arduous 17½ hour service searching for the steamship Heilo.

•1969 The station was closed.
•1993 The RNLI’s Committee of Management made a decision to re-establish an all weather lifeboat station for 12 months evaluation.
•1994 The Arun class lifeboat Ralph and Bonella Farrant was placed on service on 19 August.
•1996 Framed Letters of Thanks were awarded to Deputy Launching Authority Gerard O’Donnell, Assistant Mechanic Niall Hickey and Deputy Second Coxswain John Moriarty for their prompt actions when they launched the boarding boat to rescue a young man who had fallen from a viaduct. The man was found unconscious. He was quickly pulled into the boat and resuscitated but on reaching the pier steps his pulse ceased. He was successfully revived and taken to hospital where he fully recovered.
•1999 A new Trent class lifeboat, ON-1239 Robert Hywel Jones Williams, was placed on service on 28 February. This lifeboat was funded from the generous bequest of Robert Hywel Jones Williams. An inshore lifeboat (ILB) station was established for evaluation trials and a D class was placed on station on 22 June.

•2001 The D class lifeboat, D-561 Cursitor Street, was placed on service on 11 March.

•2002 A Centenary Vellum was awarded to the station to commemorate 100 years as a lifeboat station. Station honours


In its 130 year history Fenit Lifeboat Station has been awarded with:
3 Framed Letters of Thanks
1 Silver medal
4 Bronze medals

Fenit RNLI Open Day 9th August A huge thank you to everyone who helped make our Open Day such a wonderful success! 💛We’r...
14/08/2026

Fenit RNLI Open Day 9th August

A huge thank you to everyone who helped make our Open Day such a wonderful success! 💛

We’re incredibly grateful to all our amazing community volunteers, supporters,and everyone who gave their time, energy and enthusiasm to help throughout the day.

A special thank you to our local musicians, Kosy Cubs Yoga Club for kids yoga and a Float to live session, our face painter Samantha, the many people who donated baked goods and Gala Fenit for the beautiful spread of food.

Your kindness, hard work and community spirit made such a difference, and we couldn’t have done it without you. It was fantastic to see so many people come together, enjoy the day and support our community.

Fergus Kelliher, our Lifeboat Operations Manager, says: "Fenit RNLI Lifeboat Station is right at the heart of our community and we are so grateful for everyone’s continued generosity and support. Our Open Day is our way of saying thank you to our community and to give them a glimpse of how we save lives at sea. We were delighted to welcome everyone.”

Thank you once again to everyone who played a part in making the day so special. Your support means so much to us. 💛🌊

📸 Thanks to Graham Davis & Mary Browne for the photos.

RNLI
Irish Coast Guard
Traleetoday.ie
Radio Kerry
Kerry's Eye

Busy weekend for Fenit RNLI with three call outs and an Open Day event The first of the three lifeboat callouts which ca...
12/08/2026

Busy weekend for Fenit RNLI with three call outs and an Open Day event

The first of the three lifeboat callouts which came in the space of twenty-four hours, occurred on Saturday (8 August), with the second happening during the station’s annual open day on Sunday (9 August), shortly followed by the third on Sunday night (9 August).

On Saturday evening the volunteer lifeboat crew were paged, at 10:46pm, following a Coast Guard report that a 28ft pleasure boat had got into difficulty and had lost engine power at small mucklagh, North west of Little Samphire Lighthouse, Tralee Bay.

The All- weather lifeboat launched immediately and made its way to the scene, where they found the vessel disabled and unable to return to a port.

After a full assessment of the situation by the Coxswain, Terry Sheehy, the decision was made to tow the yacht into the nearest safest port of Fenit harbour, with the two people on board the casualty vessel being brought to safety.

On Sunday during the Fenit RNLI Open day, the volunteer crew were tasked again by the Irish Coast Guard, at 3:30pm, to reports of two individuals on jet skis that had got into difficulty near Barrow harbour.

The all-weather lifeboat was launched within minutes with Coxswain Finbarr O’Connell, as the volunteer crew were on-board giving tours to the community for the annual open day. The public all assisted quickly and moved out of the way, as the claxon was sounded and the Fenit RNLI crew assembled.

As the all-weather lifeboat reached the scene, the two individuals had safely arrived on shore and the Irish Coast Guard stood down the lifeboat.

The lifeboat crew arrived back to Fenit harbour at 4:15pm, where the lifeboat was refuelled and ready for service. They then assisted with the remaining of the open day celebrations.

Not long home from the open day clean-up of the station, the pagers sounded at 9:12pm and the all-weather lifeboat was tasked by the Coast Guard. The volunteer crew proceeded to Tralee Bay where a plane overhead had raised the alarm after being diverted to an Irish airport. As they arrived safely, Fenit RNLI was stood down and returned home.

RNLI
Irish Coast Guard
Traleetoday.ie
The Kerryman
Radio Kerry
Kerry's Eye
fans
Cara Credit Union
Tralee Bay Sailing Club -Fenit
Tralee Lions Club

📟 Call out 📟 Fenit RNLI comes to the aid of one person and a dog after 6m yacht takes on water off the Kerry coast Fenit...
11/08/2026

📟 Call out 📟

Fenit RNLI comes to the aid of one person and a dog after 6m yacht takes on water off the Kerry coast

Fenit RNLI volunteers launched their all-weather lifeboat on Thursday evening, the 23rd July following reports of a 6m sailing yacht taking on water north of the Blasket Islands. One person and a dog were onboard.

The Irish Coast Guard helicopter, Rescue 115 from Shannon and Valentia RNLI’s all-weather lifeboat were also tasked.

The lifeboat crew were paged at 8.09pm and launched the lifeboat minutes later under Coxswain Kevin Moriarty and with mechanic Adrian Mahony, navigator Denise Lynch and crew members Caroline Corkery, Ciaran Forde, Terry Sheehy and Shane Mulcair onboard.

As the lifeboat made its way towards Brandon, the crew received word that Fenit Sea Safari had reached the yacht and had taken it under tow, allowing both the helicopter and Valentia RNLI to be stood down.

Fenit RNLI reached the vessel near Sauce Creek at 9pm and assessed the situation. Due to the water ingress, a decision was made that the safest course of action was for the lifeboat to establish a tow and bring it back to the nearest safe harbour at Fenit Marina where all arrives at 12.20am. A crew member transferred onto the yacht to monitor the water ingress throughout the passage. During the tow, the yacht was brought alongside the lifeboat, enabling the crew to use the salvage pump to remove the water and keep the vessel safe during the return journey.

Following the call out, Fergus Kelliher, Fenit RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager said: ‘We would like to wish the sailor and their dog well. We would also like to commend our volunteers, the 13 crew members who responded to the pager and our invaluable shore crew. Thanks to our colleagues at our flanking station at Valentia and to the crew of Rescue 115. Thanks to the crew of the local vessel for their prompt assistance in reaching the sailor initially and for helping to ensure a safe outcome.’

https://www.idonate.ie/cause/fenitrnli

RNLI
Irish Coast Guard
Water Safety Ireland

📸 Photo Credit Sarah Daly

We love it when RNLI stations team up! ❤️🚤A huge thank you to John Ashwood Second Coxswain, from Donaghadee Lifeboat for...
08/08/2026

We love it when RNLI stations team up! ❤️🚤

A huge thank you to John Ashwood Second Coxswain, from Donaghadee Lifeboat for making this beautiful handmade lifeboat Stormy Stan bucket holder for Fenit RNLI.

We will treasure this very special gift at our station. ❤️

What started as a short conversation and an idea turned into this wonderful handmade gift, which was then kindly couriered down to us.

We absolutely love it, and what a lovely addition to have at the station ahead of our Open Day tomorrow.

Thank you to our fellow crew at Donaghadee RNLI for your kindness, creativity and continued support. It’s what makes the RNLI community so special. 💙

📸 Volunteer Fenit RNLI Crew Finbarr Griffin and Shane Mulcair

Fenit RNLI
John Ashwood
RNLI

Fenit RNLI would like to extend a sincere thank you to all the local businesses and members of the community for their i...
06/08/2026

Fenit RNLI would like to extend a sincere thank you to all the local businesses and members of the community for their incredible support of our raffle in the lead-up to our Annual Open Day this Sunday.

Your generosity and continued support mean so much to our crew and help make events like this a success.

We look forward to welcoming you this Sunday for what promises to be a great day for all the family. Come along, meet the crew, explore the station and celebrate the partnership between Fenit RNLI and the wonderful community that stands behind us.

Thank you for helping to keep us afloat. Together, we help save lives at sea. 💙🚤

RNLI
Traleetoday.ie
The Kerryman
Kerry's Eye
Radio Kerry

Fenit RNLI to host annual station open day Volunteers at Fenit RNLI are inviting the community and visitors to their ann...
05/08/2026

Fenit RNLI to host annual station open day

Volunteers at Fenit RNLI are inviting the community and visitors to their annual station open day on Sunday 9 August from 1-4pm.

This family friendly event is an opportunity for the community to meet the volunteer crew, tour the station, and learn more about the lifesaving work of all involved. Visitors can get up close to the lifeboats and take part in a range of activities.

Highlights of the day will include watching a lifeboat launch and training exercise, seeing an Irish Coast Guard rescue helicopter flyover (subject to operational requirements), tours of the lifeboat and station, a meet and greet with the volunteers, kids activities and games, a pop up shop, water safety demonstration, maritime storytelling and fundraising raffle. There will be plenty of refreshments, music from local musicians and family fun.

Looking forward to the event, Peter Clifford, Fenit RNLI Launch Authority said: ‘Our open day is time out for all the family and there is a full programme of activities at the lifeboat station. In addition to the displays, we will have with lots of water safety advice, a pop up shop and hopefully our mascot, Stormy Stan will drop by. Our volunteers are on call 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year. This is only possible thanks to the generosity of our supporters. We want to say thanks to our local community by inviting everyone to our open day and giving them a glimpse of what goes on behind the scenes.

RNLI

🌊 Something to add to your diary this Sunday! 🚤Whether you're a local or enjoying a holiday on our beautiful coastline, ...
05/08/2026

🌊 Something to add to your diary this Sunday! 🚤

Whether you're a local or enjoying a holiday on our beautiful coastline, join us for Fenit RNLI Day hosted by Crew & Volunteer’s of Fenit RNLI Station.

📍 Fenit RNLI Station, Fenit Harbour
📅 Sunday 9th August
⏰ 1:00pm – 4:00pm

Come along for a fantastic afternoon by the sea with:
☕ Delicious cream teas
🍰 Homemade cakes
🍔 Burger Van
🍦 Icecream van
🎟️ Raffle
🛍️ The Fenit RNLI Shop
🚤 Meet our volunteer crew
⚓ Get up close to the Shannon, Trent and D-Class lifeboats*
💙 Learn more about the RNLI and how your support helps us continue saving lives at sea.

It's a brilliant family day out, a chance to meet the volunteers behind the yellow wellies, and an opportunity to support the charity that saves lives at sea.

Everyone is welcome – we'd love to see you there!

*Lifeboats will be attending unless they're called out on service, because, as always, our priority is answering the call when someone needs us most.

🛟 Friday 31 July is International Lifeguard Appreciation Day & Water Safety Ireland, Irish Coast Guard and RNLI urge wat...
31/07/2026

🛟 Friday 31 July is International Lifeguard Appreciation Day & Water Safety Ireland, Irish Coast Guard and RNLI urge water safety vigilance over Bank Holiday weekend 🛟

Water Safety Ireland, Irish Coast Guard, and RNLI are urging swimmers, visitors, and holidaymakers to take extra care around the coast this Bank Holiday weekend and to familiarise themselves with local conditions before entering the water.💦

As many people travel to coastal locations during the holiday period, the organisations are also encouraging beach goers to take time to read local safety signage, check for potential hazards such as rip currents, and to swim at a lifeguarded waterway if possible.

Lifeguards around the country are busy dealing with incidents involving inflatable toys and air mattresses, which are lightweight, unstable, and which can quickly drift out to sea, or capsize unexpectedly, leaving users at risk.

If you are taking part in activities on or near the water, remember to:

🔶Check the weather and tide times before venturing out
🏖️ If walking along the shore, remain alert to rising tides to avoid stranding
🔷Make every effort to choose a lifeguarded waterway, listed at https://watersafety.ie/lifeguards/
🔶Avoid cold-water shock by entering the water slowly
🏊‍♀️ Be aware of rip currents, which can rapidly carry you away from shore
Swim with others and within your depth
🔷Leave inflatable toys at home
🛑 Avoid alcohol
🛟 Always wear a lifejacket or suitable buoyancy aid for your activity
🔷Ensure children are kept under constant, uninterrupted supervision near water
🔶Let someone ashore know where you are going and when you are due back
🔷Always carry a means of calling for help, such as a fully charged mobile phone or a marine VHF radio.


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.

RNLI
Irish Coast Guard
Kerry County Council
Radio Kerry
Traleetoday.ie
The Kerryman
Kerry's Eye
Water Safety Ireland

🚨⚓ FENIT RNLI OPEN DAY – NEXT WEEKEND- Sunday 9th August!⚓🚨Join us for a fantastic day out on the harbour as Fenit RNLI ...
30/07/2026

🚨⚓ FENIT RNLI OPEN DAY – NEXT WEEKEND- Sunday 9th August!⚓🚨

Join us for a fantastic day out on the harbour as Fenit RNLI Open Day returns next weekend! 💙

There’ll be something for everyone to enjoy:

🛟 Tour the Lifeboats; open 1pm - 4pm
🚤 Visit the lifeboat station and meet some of the crew.
⚓ Learn more about the RNLI and our lifesaving work
🛟 Float to Live exercise with our local lifeguards
🛍️RNLI Shop open
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family-friendly activities throughout the day

Whether you’re a long-time supporter or just looking for a great local day out, we’d love to welcome you along.

Every euro raised helps support the volunteers who are on call 24/7, ready to answer the call for help at sea.

📍 Fenit Harbour & Lifeboat Station
📅 Next Week Sunday, 9th August

Bring your family, bring your friends, and help us celebrate the RNLI and our wonderful local community. 💙🧡

If you can’t make it, you can donate online 👇
https://www.idonate.ie/cause/fenitrnli

RNLI
Irish Coast Guard
Kerry County Council
Traleetoday.ie
Radio Kerry
The Kerryman
Kerry's Eye
Cara Credit Union
Tralee Lions Club
Water Safety Ireland
Tralee Bay Swimming Club
Tralee Bay Sailing Club -Fenit
Tralee to Fenit Greenway

#

Warm weather and high volume of incidents in July sees the Irish Coast Guard, RNLI, and Water Safety Ireland 'Unite to T...
23/07/2026

Warm weather and high volume of incidents in July sees the Irish Coast Guard, RNLI, and Water Safety Ireland 'Unite to Turn the Tide' this World Drowning Prevention Day

The Irish Coast Guard, RNLI and Water Safety Ireland are joining together ahead of World Drowning Prevention Day this Saturday (25 July) to remember all those who have tragically lost their lives in Irish waters. July 2026 is on course to be one of the busiest months in many years, with record levels of activity and numerous call outs for teams on the coast and on inland waterways.

The theme for World Drowning Prevention Day 2026 is ‘Unite to turn the tide’ with a call on every sector and every level of society to unite to reduce drowning by 35% by 2035.

To date this year, 37 people have lost their lives in Irish waters, with each tragedy leaving a devastating and lasting impact on families, friends and communities.

Recent warm weather has brought significantly more people to Ireland’s beaches, rivers, lakes and coastline, leading to a sharp increase in demand for Coast Guard services and lifeguard interventions. So far this year, the Coast Guard has coordinated more than 1,700 incidents, resulting in 385 lives saved and over 1,600 people assisted. The scale of demand is reflected in the second week of July alone, when the Coast Guard coordinated 140 incidents, one of the highest incident totals recorded in a single week.

As the organisations reflect on an exceptionally busy summer period, they are urging everyone planning activities on or near the water to be prepared, understand the risks, and take simple steps to help ensure that everyone returns home safely.

If you are taking part in activities on or near the water, remember to:
🔶Check weather forecasts and tide times before heading out.
🔷If walking along the shoreline, remain alert to rising tides, which can quickly lead to stranding.
🔶 Choose lifeguarded beaches where possible, always swim with others, and stay within your depth.
🔷 Be aware of rip currents, which can rapidly carry even strong swimmers away from shore.
🔶 Warm weather does not mean safe water. Cold water can cause cold-water shock, significantly increasing the risk of drowning. Enter the water slowly to allow your body to adjust.
🔷 Ensure children are kept under constant, uninterrupted supervision near water.
🔶 Avoid alcohol before swimming, operating watercraft, or spending time near the water.
🔷 Always wear a lifejacket or buoyancy aid when participating in activities on the water.
🔶 Pay attention to all water safety signs, flags and local warnings.
🔷 Tell someone ashore about your plans and expected return time.
🔶 Always carry a means of calling for help, such as a fully charged mobile phone or a marine VHF radio.

🛟 🆘 🛟
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.

RNLI
Water Safety Ireland
The Kerryman
Irish Coast Guard
Kerry County Council
Radio Kerry
Traleetoday.ie
Kerry's Eye

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Kerry
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