RNLI, Galway Lifeboat Station

22/06/2026

We are appealing to people to remember and share our water safety advice with family and friends, particularly young people and teenagers as the schools break for summer.

If you find yourself in trouble in the water, the RNLI’s safety advice is Float to Live:
• Tilt your head back with your ears submerged
• Relax and try to breathe normally
• Move your hands and legs to help you stay afloat
• It’s OK if your legs sink, we all float differently
• Once your breathing is under control, call for help or swim to safety.

If you see someone else in trouble in the water, remember Phone, Float, Throw:
• Phone 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard to get help
• Tell the struggling person to Float to Live
• Throw them something that floats, such as a life ring.

19/06/2026

Friday night training!

11/06/2026

Congrats to Crew Máirtín Folan, Seamanship course completed at RNLI College

03/06/2026

Our RNLI water safety team is inviting all primary schools to join a FREE 45 minute webinar ahead of summer. You can choose from three dates:
• Thursday 18 June
• Tuesday 23 June
• Friday 26 June
Each webinar will run from 10-10.45am and will cover key water safety messages to help children have fun and stay safe in and around the water. This is an ideal refresher for primary school students just before the summer break. The webinar will be 30 minutes of learning, followed by 15 minutes for any questions.
Register here - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/free-rnli-water-safety-webinar-for-primary-schools-ireland-tickets-1990465148842?aff=oddtdtcreator

02/06/2026

Among all the other achievements, Shane also has the distinction of being the very first volunteer crew member officially enrolled at the Galway Lifeboat Station in May 1995. From crew to helm to his current role as Launch Authority, we are so proud of his years of commitment to our crew and to saving lives on Galway Bay..

From answering his first call as a teenager to leading crews through high-stakes rescues, Galway RNLI volunteer Shane Folan has seen it all.

The Galway native was one of the very first - and youngest - volunteers at Galway Lifeboat Station three decades ago. Now, over 150 callouts and several lives saved later, he is still volunteering with the RNLI in the Town of the Tribes.

With the lifeboat having celebrated 30 years in action, and with another busy summer on the horizon, Shane sat down with the Irish Independent to look at the past three decades of callouts and volunteering.

🔗Read more: https://tinyurl.com/3a6798v6

02/06/2026

A lovely setting for training


Pic: Máirtín Folan Crew

31/05/2026

See the Divers on pre-World Ocean Day -- Sunday the 7th of June🌊Competition Time
We are so grateful to UG ATUG SubAqua Club for their efforts on raising much needed funds for the RNLI.
We are giving away a family pass to see the divers and all you need to do is 'tell us who you would bring'.
Best of luck all, and its for 2 Adults and 2 Children.
RNLI, Galway Lifeboat Station
UG ATUG SubAqua Club

Reminder, we don't ask for credit card or direct you to spam sites.

19/05/2026

With the end of school term fast approaching, the RNLI’s Water Safety team is running free one hour water safety webinars for post-primary schools ahead of the summer holidays.

Choose from one of four options:
10am on Wednesday 20 May
10am on Thursday 21 May
10am on Wednesday 27 May or
10am on Thursday, 28 May.

Select your preferred date on www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/free-rnli-water-safety-webinar-for-secondary-schools-tickets-1983530526199 to receive your Microsoft Teams link. If you are having problems booking or want alternative times and dates, please contact [email protected]

What will be covered:
• Top Tips – how to swim, paddleboard and enjoy water sports safely
• Float to Live – the five simple steps to stay afloat if you fall into the water unexpectedly and survive Cold Water Shock
• Understand the Risks – rip currents, tides, offshore winds, and beach safety flags
• Calling for Help – who to call (999 or 112) and what information to give
• Live Q&A with RNLI experts including serving lifeboat crew.

Join the RNLI Water Safety team for a free 60-minute session on essential lifesaving skills to keep secondary school students safe.

18/05/2026

Celebrating National Volunteering Week 2026 and 30 years of Galway RNLI volunteer crew!

Without our thousands of volunteers, the RNLI would be unable to save lives at sea. From lifeboat and shore crews to fundraisers and water safety volunteers, every single volunteer role helps the RNLI to continue its lifesaving work.

Thank you to all the Galway RNLI volunteers past and present...


If you wish you can donate her https://tinyurl.com/5n7n49xy

14/05/2026

Busy evening of training... navigation and emergency procedures for the crew out on the water, followed by demonstration of kite surfing and wing foiling equipment by Paddy Intheelements British Kitesports Association. Really beneficial for crew and we really appreciate the time Paddy spent with us in the station this evening.