Wicklow RNLI Lifeboat Station

02/11/2026

A huge thank you and well done to our amazing shop volunteers who gave their time over the weekend at the fantastic Tryka event in the RDS.

Thanks to their hard work and enthusiasm, the RNLI pop-up shop raised €1,902.69 over the three-day event.

Thanks to TRYKA for selecting us as their charity partner and for the opportunity to be part of such a brilliant weekend.

And of course, Congratulations to all who participated and also generously supported saving lives at sea by purchasing RNLI goodies.

We loved being part of the event and are already looking forward to bringing the RNLI pop-up shop to the next Tryka event! 💙🏃‍♂️

26/10/2026

We are looking for a new Lifeboat Press Officer to join our volunteer team here at Wicklow RNLI.
To find out more about what is involved in the role and how you can apply, have a look here: http://volunteering.rnli.org/vacancy/lifeboat-press-officer---wicklow-621843.html
The closing date for applications is Sunday, 22 November.
Please spread the word.

For over 150 years the lifeboat station at Wicklow has provided search and rescue cover off the scenic east coast of County Wicklow. Today's station operates two lifeboats - an inshore D class and an all-weather Shannon class.

22/10/2026

Irish Coast Guard, Water Safety Ireland and RNLI urge public to keep Water Safety in mind on Bank Holiday Weekend as weather changes

This October Bank Holiday weekend, the Irish Coast Guard, Water Safety Ireland and the RNLI are urging those planning coastal, inland water or outdoor activities to take extra care as storm Austen approaches. With clocks going back, daylight hours will be getting shorter, water temperatures are dropping and the weather is changing with a storm warning issued for parts of Ireland.

The warning comes as the three organisations reflect on the busiest summer on record for search and rescue incidents and thank all frontline emergency service personnel, lifeguards, rescue volunteers and rescue teams who worked tirelessly throughout a particularly demanding summer period.
Heading into the bank holiday weekend, Storm Austen is expected to bring strong winds and heavy rain to parts of Ireland, which can pose a safety risk to those visiting the coast. People should exercise caution if visiting the shoreline, especially along exposed cliffs, seafronts and piers.

Those heading out for cliff, beach and coastal walks should:
• Check weather and tide times before setting out.
• Be aware of the risk of being cut off by incoming tides.
• Keep well back from cliff edges and unstable ground.
• Carry a fully charged mobile phone and let someone know your plans.

Swimmers should avoid entering the water during stormy weather or when strong winds, waves or currents make swimming unsafe. With daylight hours shortening and the lifeguard season over, choose locally recognised safe swimming areas, avoid swimming alone and ensure you leave the water before darkness falls. As water temperatures drop, shorten your swims and be mindful of the risks of cold-water shock, hypothermia and reduced swimming ability. Wear appropriate equipment, including a wetsuit, brightly coloured swim cap and tow float.

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.

15/10/2026

Congratulations to our very own Tommy Dover who last night was presented with a much deserved 20 year Long Service Award. For the best part of two decades, Tommy has served as our Lifeboat Press Officer at Wicklow RNLI, stepping more recently into a Deputy Lifeboat Press Officer role at the station.

During that time, Tommy has worked hard to promote the station and highlight the lifesaving work of our team of volunteers here in Wicklow. This has included letting the media and our community know about rescues and call outs, routine training exercises and crew assessment achievements, fundraising activities, water safety messages, and other key station milestones and events. We are immensely grateful to him for his time and selfless dedication.

Pictured is Coxswain Nicky Keogh presenting Tommy with his 20 Year Long Service badge alongside Lifeboat Operations Manager Joe Healy and Coxswain Ciaran Doyle who said a few words to thank Tommy for his years of service promoting the station and our people.

Congratulations Tommy and thank you 👏

29/09/2026

You may have read this news release from a call out just over a week ago. You can read it here

https://rnli.org/news-and-media/2026/september/20/wicklow-rnli-bring-one-person-to-safety-after-late-night-callout

Here is a short video that was taken of that night.

20/09/2026

** Latest Callout Details**

The crew on the callout were:
Coxswain: Nicky Keogh
Mechanic: John Stapleton
Crew: Connie O'Gara, Nathan O'Connor, Kelly Byrne, Adelaide Kane
Launch Authority: Mick Nolan

Wicklow RNLI bring one person to safety after late night callout.

Wicklow RNLI's volunteers brought one person to safety (Friday 18 September), after their 40 ft sailing vessel lost manoeuvrability 11 miles north east of Wicklow Harbour on Friday night.

The volunteer pagers sounded at 11.00pm with the all-weather lifeboat RNLB Bridie O’Shea slipping her mooring at 11.10pm under the command of Coxswain Nicky Keogh. It followed a request from the Irish Coast Guard following a report that the casualty boat had lost all manoeuvrability and was drifting close to shipping lanes.

The volunteer lifeboat crew located the casualty vessel 40 minutes after launching. Conditions on scene were wind from a south westerly direction, force 6-7, with moderate seas and good visibility.

With the skipper of the casualty vessel unable to make any way, and being in close proximity to shipping lanes, Coxswain Keogh assessed that the safest course of action was to take the vessel under tow to the nearest port at Wicklow Harbour where the boat was secured alongside the east pier at 02.50am.

Speaking after the call out Coxswain Nicky Keogh, said: ‘This was a late-night callout in difficult conditions. The skipper of the casualty vessel did the correct thing in requesting assistance early. I’d like to remind anyone going on the water in this good weather to have a suitable means of calling for assistance. If you see anyone in trouble on the water, please call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.’

12/09/2026

Memorial Garden Service of Remembrance
Wicklow RNLI were honoured to attend the Annual Service of Remembrance today at the Memorial Garden, located on the Murrough seafront. Our volunteers joined representatives from the Organisation of National Ex-servicemen (ONE), United Nations Veterans Association (UNVA), Irish Army Reserve, ex members of the County Wicklow FCA and Wicklow Fire Service, for a ceremony to remember and pay respect for all who served with the Defence forces and local emergency services.

During the ceremony the names of the recently deceased men and women who had served in the Defence Forces were read out, along with a brief summary of the contributions they gave to the country.

John Hayden was invited to read out the names of the recently deceased members of Wicklow RNLI since the last ceremony in 2025. He paid tribute to Tom Byrne and his huge contribution to Wicklow RNLI over the years.

A short ecumenical prayer service was conducted by members of the local clergy, before families of deceased service personnel were invited to lay wreaths in the garden. Kelly Byrne placed a wreath under the lifeboat plaque on behalf of the RNLI. The wreath honours all members of the local community who have volunteered with Wicklow RNLI since 1857.

Thank you to Captain Timmy Doyle and the committee for the kind welcome today and the very nice tea and cake after the ceremony.

11/09/2026

Become a Volunteer Water Safety Adviser with Wicklow RNLI

Are you passionate about keeping people safe around the water? We're looking for Volunteer Water Safety Advisers to help share lifesaving advice, promote water safety messages, and build relationships within local communities.

If you're passionate about preventing drowning, enjoy engaging with people, have good communication skills and a desire to make a difference, we'd love to hear from you. Training and support are provided.

✅ Flexible volunteering
✅ Meet new people
✅ Gain valuable experience
✅ Help save lives through drowning prevention


Find out more and apply here
https://volunteering.rnli.org/vacancy/water-safety-adviser-wicklow-618275.html?show-menu=true

11/09/2026

** Latest Call Out Details **

The crew on the callout were
Coxswain: Nicky Keogh
Mechanic: Peter Byrne
Crew: John Stapleton, Nathan O'Connor, Adelaide Kane, Andrew McMenamin

Wicklow RNLI bring two people to safety after 7m boat breaks down.

Wicklow RNLI's volunteers brought two people to safety (Tuesday 8 September), after their vessel's engine developed mechanical problems 5 miles south of Wicklow Harbour on Tuesday afternoon.

The all-weather lifeboat RNLB Bridie O’Shea slipped its mooring at 1.28pm under the command of Coxswain Nicky Keogh. It followed a request from the Irish Coast Guard following a report that the casualty boat's engine had failed and the boat was drifting close to Wolf Rock.

The volunteer lifeboat crew located the boat 15 minutes after launching. Conditions on scene were wind from a westerly direction, force 5-6, with slight seas and good visibility.

With the vessel disabled by its mechanical issues, the anchor not holding with the strong offshore breeze and the proximity to Wolf Rock, Coxswain Keogh assessed that the safest course of action was to take the vessel under tow to the nearest safe port at Wicklow Harbour where the boat was secured alongside the east pier at 3.50pm.

Speaking after the call out, Mick Nolan, Wicklow RNLI Launch Authority said: ‘This was a quick response by our volunteer crew with their training and equipment providing a successful outcome for all. I’d like to remind anyone going on the water in this good weather to have a suitable means of calling for assistance. If you see anyone in trouble on the water, please call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.’

01/09/2026

Our volunteer crew were requested to launch by the Coast Guard yesterday following reports of a swimmer in difficulty.

While en route, the crew were stood down after receiving confirmation that the person had made it safely back to shore.

Thanks, as always, to all our volunteers who responded to the call for help.