Fenit RNLI

Fenit RNLI Established 1879

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History


Here are some interesting facts about the station. Fenit Lifeboat Station

•1879 A lifeboat station was established and a boathouse was built at Outward Fenit
•1892 The lifeboat station name, known at the time as Tralee Bay, was changed to Fenit
•1920 A Bronze Medal was awarded to 12-year-old John F O'Mahony for bravely attempting to save a friend at Lighthouse Point, Fenit.
•1928 The l

ifeboat was placed on moorings in the harbour.
•1930 Bronze Medals were awarded to John Nolan, John Cahill and Joseph Cahill, fishermen of Tralee, for saving the crew of three of the steamship Co-operator.

•1933 Silver watches were presented to Coxswain Thomas Crowley and Mechanic John Doyle for an arduous 17½ hour service searching for the steamship Heilo.

•1969 The station was closed.
•1993 The RNLI’s Committee of Management made a decision to re-establish an all weather lifeboat station for 12 months evaluation.
•1994 The Arun class lifeboat Ralph and Bonella Farrant was placed on service on 19 August.
•1996 Framed Letters of Thanks were awarded to Deputy Launching Authority Gerard O’Donnell, Assistant Mechanic Niall Hickey and Deputy Second Coxswain John Moriarty for their prompt actions when they launched the boarding boat to rescue a young man who had fallen from a viaduct. The man was found unconscious. He was quickly pulled into the boat and resuscitated but on reaching the pier steps his pulse ceased. He was successfully revived and taken to hospital where he fully recovered.
•1999 A new Trent class lifeboat, ON-1239 Robert Hywel Jones Williams, was placed on service on 28 February. This lifeboat was funded from the generous bequest of Robert Hywel Jones Williams. An inshore lifeboat (ILB) station was established for evaluation trials and a D class was placed on station on 22 June.

•2001 The D class lifeboat, D-561 Cursitor Street, was placed on service on 11 March.

•2002 A Centenary Vellum was awarded to the station to commemorate 100 years as a lifeboat station. Station honours


In its 130 year history Fenit Lifeboat Station has been awarded with:
3 Framed Letters of Thanks
1 Silver medal
4 Bronze medals

Amber Thursday - a joint initiative to stay safe together by staying vigilant, as we approach June Bank Holiday weekend....
28/05/2026

Amber Thursday - a joint initiative to stay safe together by staying vigilant, as we approach June Bank Holiday weekend.

Fire Safety
Road Safety
Water Safety

💙🧡Let’s all stay safe together 💙🧡

RNLI
Irish Coast Guard
fans
Kerry County Council
An Garda Síochána Kerry

🔊 Irish Coast Guard, Water Safety Ireland and RNLI issue water safety advice ahead of June Bank Holiday🗓️ Ahead of the J...
27/05/2026

🔊 Irish Coast Guard, Water Safety Ireland and RNLI issue water safety advice ahead of June Bank Holiday

🗓️ Ahead of the June Bank Holiday weekend, the Irish Coast Guard, Water Safety Ireland and the RNLI are urging the public to stay safe if planning an activity on or near the water.

🌡️ While air temperatures are warmer, sea and inland water temperatures remain low. This contrast can present a hidden but serious risk of cold water shock and hypothermia to anyone entering or unexpectedly falling into the water.



🌊 Even on warm, sunny days, water temperatures are often below 15°C, cold enough to trigger cold water shock. This sudden reaction can cause involuntary gasping, panic, and loss of breathing control, greatly increasing the risk of drowning.



While a large number of people are expected to visit the coast or inland waterways over the bank holiday weekend, for many this will be their first dip of the season. Remember to enter the water slowly, splash yourself to acclimatise, keep your dips short and stay within your depth. Don’t go alone, swim with others, always stay together, and ensure everyone leaves the water safely.


🏖️ If you’re planning an activity in or on the water, remember:

-Check weather and tides before heading out,
-carry a means of calling for help such as a fully charged mobile phone
-Always wear a correctly fitted and serviced lifejacket or buoyancy aid
-Avoid alcohol as it impairs judgement, coordination, and reaction time
-Let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return.


If you fall into the water unexpectedly or get into difficulty, remember:

~Float to Live
~Stay calm and fight any instinct to panic or thrash around
~Tilt your head back, with your ears submerged
~Relax and try to breathe normally
~Move your hands and feet to help you stay afloat. It’s fine if your legs sink, we all float differently
~Once you’ve regained control of your breathing, call for help or raise your hand or swim to safety if you are able.


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.

RNLI
Irish Coast Guard
Irish Water Safety
Tralee Bay Sailing Club -Fenit
Saint Brendan the Navigator

🆘 Early morning call-out for Fenit RNLI after 3am alert for yacht🛟 Fenit RNLI’S all weather lifeboat volunteer crew were...
24/05/2026

🆘 Early morning call-out for Fenit RNLI after 3am alert for yacht

🛟 Fenit RNLI’S all weather lifeboat volunteer crew were called out early this
morning (Sunday May 24th) when a yacht lost its power and steerage North of Loop head, Co. Clare.

📟 The lifeboat crew pagers were sounded at 3.03am, after a Pan-Pan signal was made from the 10-metre vessel, and the Irish Coastguard contacted Fenit RNLI’s Launch Authority on duty Peter Clifford who requested the launch of the all-weather Lifeboat Robert Hywel Jones Williams. The vessel had been enroute from Rossaveel, Co. Galway to Kilrush, Co. Clare.

The yacht, carrying three people on board, initially reported that it had lost engine power and was experiencing difficulties with its rudder. The MFV Celtic Sun, which was fishing in the area at the time, heard the Pan-Pan signal and responded, arriving first on
the scene. The vessel remained on standby until the Fenit RNLI lifeboat arrived. Sea conditions during the rescue were favourable, with a force 3 south-westerly wind and a 2.3-metre swell.

Fenit all-weather lifeboat arrived on scene at 04:40am. Contact was made with the crew, who were all fit and well and Coxswain Kevin Moriarty, assessed the situation. After consulting with the skipper, it was determined that a tow was necessary and would be the safest way to assist the crew and bring them to safety. A towline was successfully established at 04:55am, the yacht was towed to the safety of Fenit harbour, arriving at 10:20am.

Once satisfied that the yacht and its crew were secure, the lifeboat returned to the station, where she was refuelled, washed down and ready for any further calls.

Six volunteers were on-board the lifeboat for the operation: Coxswain Kevin Moriarty, Mechanic Kevin Honeyman, and crew members Caroline Corkery, Ciaran Forde, Cian Lawless, Shane Mulcair and Terry Sheehy.

Speaking following the call-out, Coxswain Kevin Moriarty said that “the training undertaken by the crew was vital and they all worked very well together. I wish the crew of the vessel well on the remainder of their journey. Should anyone get into difficulty at
sea, always call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.

RNLI
Irish Coast Guard
Irish Lifeboats

👩‍✈️ 🧑‍✈️ 👨‍✈️ 🧑‍✈️ Fenit RNLI coxswains gear up for their new lifeboatAt Fenit RNLI, we are incredibly proud of all our...
22/05/2026

👩‍✈️ 🧑‍✈️ 👨‍✈️ 🧑‍✈️ Fenit RNLI coxswains gear up for their new lifeboat

At Fenit RNLI, we are incredibly proud of all our crew.

Recently, 4 of our 6 coxswains from Fenit RNLI attended a five day intensive training course at the RNLI College Dorset. To prepare and focus on the new arrival of the state-of-the art Shannon class lifeboat, due to arrive this summer. This vital training ensures our crew are fully prepared and ready to respond when people need them most.

This training also represents a huge personal sacrifice from each of them. They gave up their own time and spent time away from their work, families, and children in order to complete the course and continue serving our community at the highest standard.

Their dedication, commitment, and professionalism make us immensely proud, and we look forward to welcoming our new lifeboat later this summer.

Well done 👏
📸 Fenit RNLI Volunteer Coxswains;

Denise Lynch, John Moriarty, Kevin Moriarty & Terry Sheehy.

RNLI
Fenit RNLI
RNLI College
Irish Coast Guard

🔔Reminder of our water safety webinars  fansRNLI
19/05/2026

🔔Reminder of our water safety webinars

fans
RNLI

Join the RNLI Water Safety team for a free 60-minute session on essential lifesaving skills to keep secondary school students safe.

Float to Live could save your life.  Remember:- Tilt your head back with ears submerged - Relax and try to control your ...
19/05/2026

Float to Live could save your life.

Remember:
- Tilt your head back with ears submerged
- Relax and try to control your breathing
- Use your hands to help you stay afloat
- It's okay if your legs sink, we all float differently

Practice these steps at a supervised location, like a swimming pool or lifeguarded beach so you know what to do in an emergency.



If you’re struggling in the water, .
🛟 Remember it.
🛟 Practise it.
🛟 Share it.

It could save you or someone
you love



Learn more about water safety It could save your or someone you love

RNLI
Tralee Bay Sailing Club -Fenit
Saint Brendan the Navigator
Irish Coast Guard

17/05/2026

Luke Silles Memorial Run
17th May 2026
RNLI Paula Silles Kingdom Run Series Michelle Greaney

Fenit RNLI were privileged to be part of Luke Silles Run today in Ballymac.Representing Fenit RNLI today were Crew membe...
17/05/2026

Fenit RNLI were privileged to be part of Luke Silles Run today in Ballymac.

Representing Fenit RNLI today were Crew member Cian Lawless, who completed the 5k in full crew gear — not for the faint-hearted. Also taking part in the run were crew members running in there RNLI kit were Linda O’Loughlin, Mark O’Connor, Denise Lynch & Cian O’Donnell.

A special mention also to crew member Wayne O’Sullivan, who attended as Stormy Stan and was a huge hit with both young and old alike, ably assisted by his daughter Aoibhe Grace.

Mary Browne (Lifeboat Press Officer) and Fergus Kelliher (Fenit RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager) attended in support and assisted with the race throughout the day.

It was wonderful to see such a fantastic turnout, with so many people attending and taking part in what was a fabulous community race and event, despite the weather!

Today, our thoughts are with Paula, Tony, Oran and Aimee. Paula and Tony are truly amazing people, and we are in awe of the strength, courage and dignity they have shown in coping with such a heartbreaking loss.

Sincere thanks again to all the runners who ran every step for Luke.

Huge thanks to Michelle Greaney and her team for organising such a fantastic run event and for all the hard work that went into making the day such a success.

Well done to EVERYONE involved in such a special community event — definitely a race for the calendar.

Go raibh mile agat 🍀

RNLI
Kingdom Run Series
Paula Silles
Fenit RNLI
Michelle Greaney

🌊 Water Safety 🌊 With the end of school term fast approaching, the RNLI’s Water Safety team is running free one hour wat...
15/05/2026

🌊 Water Safety 🌊
With the end of school term fast approaching, the RNLI’s Water Safety team is running free one hour water safety webinars for post-primary schools ahead of the summer holidays.

You can choose from one of four options: 10am on Wednesday 20 May, 10am on Thursday 21 May, 10am on Wednesday 27 May or 10am on Thursday, 28 May.

Select your preferred date on www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/free-rnli-water-safety-webinar-for-secondary-schools-tickets-1983530526199 to receive your Microsoft Teams link. If you are having problems booking or want alternative times and dates, please contact [email protected]

🌊 🛟 🌊 🛟

What will be covered: 🏊‍♀️

• 🏊‍♀️ Top Tips – how to swim, paddleboard and enjoy water sports safely.

• ‼️ Float to Live – the five simple steps to stay afloat if you fall into the water unexpectedly and survive Cold Water Shock

• 🌊 Understand The Risks – rip currents, tides, offshore winds, and beach safety flags

• 📱 Calling for Help – who to call (999 or 112) and what information to give

• 🛟 Live Q&A with RNLI experts including serving lifeboat crew.

RNLI

Join the RNLI Water Safety team for a free 60-minute session on essential lifesaving skills to keep secondary school students safe.

Fergus Kelliher, Fenit Lifeboat Station Manager was delighted to meet Helen and Allan of 238 RNLI Lifeboat Station Chall...
07/05/2026

Fergus Kelliher, Fenit Lifeboat Station Manager was delighted to meet Helen and Allan of 238 RNLI Lifeboat Station Challenge

https://www.238-rnli-challenge.com/post/ireland-kerry-and-clare

RNLI

After a day of sightseeing it was time to leave Killarney and head to the final station in County Kerry and on to the only station in County ClareFenit Lifeboat StationThe small village of Fenit lies on the estuary of Tralee Bay, sheltered on the southern side by the Slieve Mish Mountain Range. The....

From all of us at Fenit RNLI Station, we extend our heartfelt condolences to our fellow search and rescue colleagues at ...
06/05/2026

From all of us at Fenit RNLI Station, we extend our heartfelt condolences to our fellow search and rescue colleagues at Marine Rescue NSW, following the tragic incident in Ballina, Australia.

The loss of their two volunteers is felt on a global scale and is a sobering reminder of the immense danger search and rescue volunteers face every day at sea. We recognise the profound impact tragedies like this have on families, crews and communities. Our thoughts are with them all.

We honour the courage, commitment and selflessness of those involved, and of everyone who dedicates their lives to saving lives at sea. They will not be forgotten. Fair winds and following seas 💙 🕊️

RNLI
Irish Coast Guard

https://www.facebook.com/share/1G9DoCZneT/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Address

Fenit
Kerry
V92FT80

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