Fethard RNLI Opens Doors to New Volunteers as Station Celebrates 30th Anniversary
- Pat Nolan
- Jun 3
- 2 min read
Wednesday 3 June 2026
FETHARD-ON-SEA, Co. Wexford - Fethard RNLI is inviting members of the public to learn more about volunteering with the lifesaving charity at a recruitment evening on Friday, 5 June 2026.
The open evening, which begins at 7pm, will offer prospective volunteers an opportunity to see the station's operations first-hand, meet existing crew members and discover how they can contribute to saving lives at sea.
The station is currently seeking volunteers for a range of roles, including lifeboat crew, shore crew and fundraising positions across the Fethard area.
Fethard Lifeboat Station operates a D-class inshore lifeboat, launched from multiple sites around the Hook Peninsula. The station reopened in 1996 after an 80-year closure and is marking its 30th anniversary this year, highlighting three decades of dedicated volunteer service to the local community and visitors along the south-east coastline.
Like all RNLI stations, Fethard is powered by volunteers. The operational team is led by the Lifeboat Operations Manager and Launch Authorities, supported by a dedicated shore crew. Both boat and shore crew members are trained through the RNLI's national Competency Based Training Scheme and respond to pager alerts when the lifeboat is called into action.
The station is seeking volunteers to serve both afloat and ashore. Lifeboat crew members undertake regular training and exercises, respond to emergency call-outs and help maintain the station, lifeboat and equipment. Shore crew volunteers play a vital role in launching and recovering the lifeboat and operate the station's Land Rover launch vehicle and trailer.
Beyond operational roles, the station is also recruiting volunteer fundraisers. These volunteers help plan and deliver community and online fundraising activities, from managing collection boxes to organising events that support the RNLI's lifesaving work and strengthen its presence in the local area.
The wider RNLI volunteer network also includes shop volunteers and water safety volunteers, all of whom contribute to the charity's mission of preventing loss of life at sea.
Those attending the recruitment evening will have the chance to watch a lifeboat launch demonstration at Fethard Dock before meeting crew members at the lifeboat station to ask questions and learn more about the various volunteering opportunities available.
Volunteer helm Eoin Bird encouraged anyone interested to attend.
"Volunteering with us gives people the opportunity to make a real difference in their local community, to save lives and become part of the larger RNLI family," he said.
"We can't keep people safe without the support of our wonderful volunteers, who truly make a difference every day no matter which role they are fulfilling."
"Becoming a volunteer at Fethard RNLI is a great chance to play a crucial part in helping to save lives. We're looking for enthusiastic people to go afloat, stay shoreside, or support fundraising activities."
Anyone interested in learning more about volunteering opportunities is encouraged to attend the open evening on 5 June or apply through the RNLI's volunteer recruitment channels.
