Tramore Lifeboat RNLI

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Tramore Lifeboat RNLI

Volunteers Saving Lives At Sea Our mission is to save lives at sea, our goal is to stop drowning.

We do this through water safety education, operating search and rescue lifeboats and operating beach lifeguards.

19/08/2026

Thanks to the committee and all our friends at Newtown & Guillamene Swimming Club for their recent donation in support of Tramore Lifeboat RNLI.

05/08/2026

Tramore Lifeboat RNLI launched this morning (Wednesday, 5 August) at the request of the Irish Coast Guard after lifeguards on Tramore beach reported a person in difficulty on the Doneraile cliffs close to high tide.

Helm Fergal McGrath, along with crew members Conor McCarthy, Nóirín Phelan and Will Palmer, made best speed to the scene on Tramore's D class lifeboat. On arrival, they were joined by a lifeguard from Tramore Beach, who had paddled out to the scene.

The crew found the casualty had climbed half way up the cliffs avoiding the incoming tide. Carefully manoeuvring the lifeboat alongside the rocks, the crew assisted the casualty safely aboard before returning to Tramore Pier. The casualty had sustained minor injuries.

Speaking after the callout, Tramore RNLI helm Fergal McGrath thanked the person who informed the lifeguards. He also praised the lifeguards for raising the alarm so quickly. “Everyone worked well together and, thankfully, the casualty was brought safely ashore. A rising tide and unstable cliffs can quickly catch people out, particularly if they're unfamiliar with the area. Whether you're here in Tramore or anywhere else along the coast, keep an eye on the tide, stay well back from cliff edges and, if something doesn't look right, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard."

The lifeboat returned to station where it was recovered by our dedicated volunteer shore crew and washed down and prepared for service.

Water Safety Ireland Waterford
Water Safety Ireland
Waterford City and County Council

31/07/2026

Today is International Lifeguard Appreciation day! We are fortunate to have many lifeguarded beaches along the beautiful Waterford Coastline. Please swim at lifeguarded beaches.

Tramore Lifeboat RNLI, Tramore Sea Rescue Association and Water Safety Ireland Waterford are proud to have a long history of partnership working together to help save lives at sea.

Special shout out today from Tramore crew to all to all our lifeguards!

Thanks for all you do in keeping our beaches safe.

23/07/2026

The , RNLI and Water Safety Ireland are joining together ahead of this Saturday 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.

When planning activities on or near the water, be prepared, understand the risks, and take simple steps to help ensure that everyone returns home safely:

• 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.

20/07/2026

Tramore Bay Race – Saturday 25 July

If you're around Tramore next Saturday, keep an eye out for the annual Tramore Bay Race as boats make their way from to in support of the .

It's always a lovely sight from , along the , or from Beach as the fleet arrives into the bay.

After the race, why not call into Bar from 1pm, where there'll be food, refreshments and a relaxed family atmosphere.

All proceeds from the event will support the RNLI and its volunteer crews.

We look forward to seeing you there.

14/07/2026

Tramore Lifeboat RNLI assists two paddleboarders who get caught in offshore wind

Tramore RNLI's volunteer crew came to the assistance of two paddleboarders yesterday evening (Monday 13 July) after they encountered difficulty in an offshore wind.

The lifeboat was already afloat on a training exercise on the far side of Tramore Bay when the crew was tasked by the Irish Coast Guard at 7.55pm.

Helmed by Fergal McGrath, with crew members Nóirín Phelan, Ward Griffin and Will Palmer onboard, the lifeboat made its way across the bay and located the two paddleboarders, in a bay, west of Great Newtown Head.

The pair had been unable to make any headway against a strong north-easterly wind. They used a mobile phone carried in a waterproof pouch to call for help. Both were wearing lifejackets and were sheltering from the wind, rather than continuing to paddle.

Having assessed the situation, the crew brought the two paddleboarders and their boards safely aboard the lifeboat. Both paddleboarders were tired but otherwise in good health.

Speaking following the call out, Tramore RNLI Helm Fergal McGrath said: 'The paddleboarders made the right decision when they realised they couldn’t make progress against the wind. Conditions were challenging at the time. They sought shelter and called for help before they became cold and exhausted.

'We would encourage anyone going afloat to check the weather and wind direction, wear a suitable lifejacket or buoyancy aid and carry a means of calling for help in a waterproof pouch. If you see somebody in difficulty or get into difficulty yourself, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.'

09/07/2026

The has released ‘Float’, a short film, which aims to show young people the importance of the ‘Float to Live’ message in drowning prevention.

The short film, follows a 15-year-old boy on one warm day in summer. One evening having a solo dip he gets into difficulty in the water

Remembering the RNLI advice of , he resists the instinct to panic, swim, or thrash about and remembers to float and survives.

We would ask that you would please share this message with the young people in your life in the hope that it will help to save lives.

If you think someone is in trouble in the water please ring 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.

02/07/2026

Twenty-seven years ago today, Captain Dave O’Flaherty, Captain Mick Baker, Sergeant Paddy Mooney and Corporal Niall Byrne lost their lives when Irish Air Corps helicopter Rescue 111 crashed in the sanddunes in Tramore while returning from a rescue mission.

The crew had been assisting a vessel in difficulty off the coast of Helvick Head. This was the first night of 24-hour search and rescue operations from the Waterford base. Having completed the mission, the crew turned for home. After two unsuccessful approaches to Waterford Airport in dense fog, they were lost on an approach from Tramore Bay.

Like many emergency services across the region, Tramore Lifeboat RNLI crew answered their pagers, in hope, in the early hours of that morning. The memory of those hours remains with many of our crew and former crew members to this day.

Captain Dave O’Flaherty, Captain Mick Baker, Sergeant Paddy Mooney and Corporal Niall Byrne died while serving others.

Today we pause to remember them. We remember their families, friends and colleagues who continue to carry the weight of their loss.

May they Rest in Peace.

14/06/2026

Tramore RNLI Volunteers Recognised at National Long Service Awards

Volunteers from Tramore Lifeboat RNLI joined colleagues from around the country at a special RNLI Long Service Awards event held in Clontarf Castle last Sunday, celebrating decades of dedication to saving lives at sea and supporting local communities.

Among those honoured was Tramore RNLI Helm Fergal McGrath, who was presented with his 20-Year Long Service Award in recognition of two decades of commitment to the lifeboat service.

The event also provided an opportunity for Derek and Damian Musgrave, David O’Hanlon-Helm, Ian Flynn- Helm and Patricia Kennealy to be recognised at a national level, having received their long-service awards in Tramore last year.

Anyone involved in the station understands what lies behind decades of service – answering the pager at all hours, undertaking countless hours of training, supporting fellow crew members and helping to ensure the station is always ready to respond when needed.

Together, these volunteers represent generations of commitment to Tramore RNLI. Behind each award are years of training, callouts, fundraising, friendship, teamwork and the support of families who have shared in that commitment along the way.

All the crew at Tramore RNLI congratulate Fergal, Derek, Damian, David, Ian and Patricia on their awards and thank them for their dedication, service and continued commitment to the lifeboat station and the wider community

Address

The Pier, Co. Waterford
Tramore
X91TP28

Website

https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeboat-stations/tramore-lifeboat-station

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