Help Save Lives at Sea – Join the crew at Howth Lifeboat Station
Howth RNLI is on the lookout for local volunteers to join its lifeboat crew - and play a vital role in saving lives at sea. The station has openings for both its all-weather Trent class lifeboat and the inshore D class lifeboat.
With nearly 190 years of lifesaving service behind them, the volunteer crews at Howth RNLI continue to play a vital role in keeping Dublin Bay safe. In 2024 alone, Howth RNLI launched
44 times, coming to the aid of 47 people. Twelve of those launches took place in the hours of darkness, highlighting the commitment and round-the-clock readiness of the station’s volunteers.
Now, they’re hoping to welcome new faces to the crew and keep this proud tradition going strong.
Because lifeboats must launch quickly in an emergency, volunteers need to
live or work within 15 minutes of the station so they can respond fast when needed.
Lifeboat Operations Manager, Colm Newport said:
“We’re incredibly proud of our volunteers here in Howth. They come from all walks of life and give their time and skills to help others. You don’t need a maritime background — just the dedication to be part of a close-knit team and the willingness to drop everything when the pager sounds. We’re looking for new crew who live or work within 15 minutes of the station and are ready to rise to the challenge.”
Volunteers receive full training and ongoing support, along with the opportunity to develop life-saving skills, build strong friendships, and serve their community in a unique and meaningful way.
Fin Goggin, a volunteer crew member on both lifeboats and helm of the inshore lifeboat, shared her perspective:
“Being part of the RNLI is more than just a role — it’s a responsibility. As helm of the ILB, you're leading the crew into potentially dangerous situations, but you’re doing it to help others who are in real need. It’s a privilege to be part of such a dedicated team. You learn so much, and every shout reminds you why we do it — to bring people home safely.”
Ian Martin, who has progressed from crew member to helm on the ILB and recently passed out as coxswain on the all-weather lifeboat, also spoke about his experience:
“I started out learning the ropes over fourteen years ago and have grown into a leadership role through the support and training the RNLI provides. Volunteering with the RNLI is genuinely one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done — knowing you’ve made a difference in someone’s life, especially during a rescue, is a feeling like no other.”
Whether you’re looking to challenge yourself, learn new skills, or give back to your community, volunteering with Howth RNLI offers all of that — and more.
What you can expect:
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Comprehensive training and personal development
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A place in a respected and supportive local crew
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The chance to help people when they need it most
ENDS
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,700 lives.
Learn more about the RNLI
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.
Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.
