Ballyglass RNLI Calls for New Volunteers at Recruitment Open Evening

Monday 15 June 2026

BALLYGLASS, Co Mayo - Ballyglass RNLI is inviting local residents to discover what it takes to become part of one of Ireland's most dedicated lifesaving teams, with a volunteer recruitment open evening taking place at the station on 24 June.

Ballyglass D Class ILB. Photo Credit: RNLI/Ballyglass

The Mayo-based lifeboat station is seeking new volunteers to join its D Class lifeboat crew and is encouraging anyone with a passion for helping others and serving their community to attend the information evening from 7pm to 9pm.

For those looking for a rewarding challenge, volunteering with the RNLI offers the opportunity to develop valuable skills while playing a vital role in saving lives at sea. Successful recruits receive comprehensive training in search and rescue operations, seamanship, boat handling and first aid, all delivered to the high standards for which the RNLI is renowned.

The open evening will provide prospective volunteers with an insight into life as a crew member, the training involved, and the commitment required to respond when the call for help comes.

Ballyglass RNLI is particularly interested in hearing from people who thrive under pressure, enjoy working as part of a close-knit team, and want to make a real difference in their local community.

Volunteer crew members are responsible for responding to emergency call-outs, maintaining operational readiness, taking part in regular training exercises, and supporting the RNLI's lifesaving mission both at sea and on shore. They also play an important role in representing the charity within the community and helping raise awareness of water safety.

To be eligible, candidates must live within 10 kilometres of Ballyglass Lifeboat Station to ensure a rapid response when the lifeboat is launched.

The recruitment campaign comes as the RNLI continues to rely on volunteers around the coast of Ireland to provide a 24-hour search and rescue service for those in difficulty at sea.

Anyone interested in joining the crew is encouraged to attend the open evening on Tuesday, 24 June, from 7pm to 9pm at Ballyglass Lifeboat Station. Applications for the current recruitment campaign close on 5 July.

As the RNLI's recruitment message states: "Step Up. Lead. Save Lives with the RNLI." For many, it could be the first step towards becoming part of a team that makes a life-saving difference when it matters most.