Voluntary lifeboat crews provide an invaluable public service and frequently put their own lives at risk.
Their dedication and commitment to saving the lives of total strangers in often treacherous and stormy conditions have a long history but, increasingly, demands on their services are being made by pleasure craft users who place themselves and others in danger through ignorance, stupidity and a lack of basic training.
Increasing wealth and personal disposable income have led to an explosion in the numbers of sailing and motor craft on Irish waters. And while a small, open boat might once have represented the entry point to the joys of the open sea or inland waterways, today the chosen craft may be a powerful motor cruiser, a rib, a jet-ski, or a yacht. Because of that, it is hugely important that people seek basic training in the handling of boats, for their own safety and for the safety of their family and friends.
Legislation now requires all boat-users to wear life jackets. It is the most basic safety precaution. And in spite of a general lack of enforcement, the message is gradually getting through. Training is another matter. The Irish Sailing Association now sets training, qualification and equipment standards for an estimated 130 teaching centres throughout the country and it organises a range of basic and advanced sailing and powerboat courses for inland and offshore waters. While it does not advocate compulsory training or the licensing of boat owners, it recommends that such courses should be taken in the interests of safety. Increasingly, insurance companies offer discounts in acknowledgment of such qualifications.
Pleasure craft users account for the largest number of lifeboat call-outs. Some of these emergencies involve such basic mistakes as running out of fuel. Running out of fuel on a motorway may be embarrassing, but running out of fuel at sea can be life-threatening. Then, you have dire emergencies. Such as occurred a week ago when fire broke out on a trawler 60 miles off the Donegal coast and the crew of the Arranmore lifeboat spent 24 hours at sea, protecting the lives of Spanish fishermen.
More than 1,000 people were brought to safety, courtesy of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, last year. Forty-three stations launched their boats 922 times and their crews contributed more than 1,500 working hours to life-saving activities. This all-island service costs about €14 million to run and is largely funded by charitable contributions. It is a jewel in the crown of Ireland's voluntary organisations and those involved should feel a justifiable pride. It deserves public support.