RNLI Portrush

02/06/2026

ALL HANDS ON DECK — QUIZ NIGHT at Portrush Yacht Club!

Ahoy shipmates! Drop anchor on Friday 5th June and navigate your way to Portrush Yacht Club for a legendary evening of noggin testing! But beware at the helm stands our dastardly Quiz Master, a crafty old sea dog with a twinkle in his eye and mischief in his charts! He’s been known to lure even the sharpest quizzers onto the rocks with his devious questions.

And remember every penny raised goes to Portrush Lifeboats.

So get your crew together and chart a course for a brilliant night!

01/06/2026

Alex and Emma, two of our younger shop volunteers, have been able to successfully combine their volunteering role whilst continuing with their full time education.
Alex, sporting our lifeguard range boonie hat, has been a volunteer for 2.5 years. Emma, seen holding her favourite soft toy, Frankie the Portrush bear, alongside a doggie visitor, recently celebrated her first year in volunteering.
Volunteering roles can be beneficial to all ages, so, if you are interested, please get in touch and speak to our shop volunteers.

01/06/2026

Really looking forward to this evening of craic, guldering and of course a few sea shanties hosted by our Water Safety Ambassadors The Causeway Shantymen! 🎤🎶

⚓ The Causeway Shantymen to Host Maritime Shanty Weekend Across North Coast and Belfast

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Northern Ireland's only all-male sea shanty group, The Causeway Shantymen, will host a special Shanty Weekend this summer, celebrating maritime heritage, traditional music and the RNLI's 25 years of lifeguarding.

Taking place on Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th July 2026, the event will feature sea shanty performances, maritime storytelling and traditional boat-building displays at locations across the North Coast and Belfast, while also helping to raise awareness and funds for the RNLI.

The Causeway Shantymen serve as Water Safety Ambassadors for the RNLI and are using the weekend to mark a significant milestone for the charity. This year marks 25 years since the RNLI launched its lifeguard service, which has played a vital role in keeping beachgoers safe around the coastline.

Joining The Causeway Shantymen for the celebrations will be fellow sea shanty groups The Buoys of Ballisodare from County Sligo and The Selkies from Portaferry, County Down, bringing together a weekend of music, storytelling and maritime culture.

Michael Jess, Lifeguard Supervisor at the RNLI, said the anniversary provides an opportunity to recognise the dedication of lifeguards who work tirelessly to keep people safe around the coast.

"It is important to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of all RNLI lifeguards.

"Some of our team have been working on the same beach for over 10 years. Around 95% of a lifeguard's work is prevention. They keep beachgoers safe by educating them about water safety and helping them spot dangers before accidents happen.

"If you are planning a visit to the coast this summer, please remember to visit an RNLI lifeguarded beach."

The weekend begins at Portstewart Harbour on Saturday 25th July from 3pm to 4.30pm as part of the Red Sails Festival before moving to Portrush Yacht Club later that evening from 7pm until 10pm.

Commodore Beni McAllister of Portrush Yacht Club said the club was delighted to host part of the programme.

"Portrush Yacht Club has a long and proud connection with the sea, making this a wonderful event for the club to support.

"We are delighted to welcome The Causeway Shantymen and their guests to Portrush Yacht Club and to support the RNLI as it marks 25 years of lifeguarding.

"We look forward to what promises to be a fantastic evening celebrating music, heritage and our shared connection to the sea."

On Sunday, 26th July, the event moves to Belfast's Maritime Mile, with performances taking place at the iconic Titanic Slipways and alongside the SS Nomadic from 12.45pm until 1.45pm as the launch of the Belfast Tradfest.

The celebrations will conclude later that afternoon in Belfast's historic Commercial Court and Cathedral Quarter cultural district from 3pm to 5pm, providing a maritime-themed prelude to the All-Ireland Fleadh, which takes place in the city from 2nd to 9th August.

Willie Jack MBE, proprietor of the Duke of York and Harp Bar in Belfast, who is personally funding the Belfast afternoon element of the weekend, said he was delighted to support the initiative.

"Sea shanties are all about community, friendship and storytelling, and Belfast is the perfect place to celebrate that tradition.

"We are proud to support an event that not only celebrates our maritime roots but also shines a light on the incredible work carried out by the RNLI every day. If we can raise awareness, raise some funds and give people a great weekend of entertainment at the same time, then that's a fantastic result.

"Belfast has a rich maritime history, and I hope people will come along, enjoy the atmosphere and help make this a memorable weekend for everyone involved."

Chris Millar, Chair and Musical Director of The Causeway Shantymen, said the weekend has been organised to celebrate sea shanty culture while supporting an important safety message.

"This festival has been coordinated to showcase the breadth of shanty music represented by the groups taking part and to bring a taste of the camaraderie and craic that we all find through this music to our audiences.

"Highlighting the vital work of the RNLI's lifeguarding team during this special 25th anniversary year is especially important as we sail into the busy holiday season.

"The Causeway Shantymen will continue to share the RNLI's Float to Live message at our performances while bringing sea shanty fun, maritime heritage and plenty of entertainment to audiences throughout the weekend."

Members of the public are encouraged to come along and enjoy a unique celebration of music, maritime heritage and community spirit while supporting the RNLI as it marks 25 years of lifeguarding.

Pictured: Left to Right - Judy Nelson (RNLI Lifeboat Press Officer), Ruby & Sam (RNLI Lifeguards), Ivor Paul (RNLI Launch Authority), Perry Walton (RNLI Coxswain), Garth Anderson (The Causeway Shantymen Engagement Officer and Event Lead), Chris Millar (The Causeway Shantymen Chairman and Musical Director)

⚓ - RNLI Portrush, RNLI, The Harp Bar, The Duke of York Belfast, Red Sails, Buoys of Ballisodare, Selkies Sea Shanty Women's Group, Belfast TradFest, Fleadh Cheoil, Titanic Belfast, Portrush Yacht Club

31/05/2026

Well done Max - He did it. And he smashed it!! Mayday mile for the RNLI completed today in Cushendall starting at our flank station Redbay Lifeboat station. 🤩 Max’s total so far is £570 👏🏻👏🏻

31/05/2026

Many thanks to pupils St Malachy's Primary School presenting a Cheque to volunteer crew member (and their teacher !) Magdalena Kiszko! Thank you everyone!! 👏

30/05/2026

Looking forward to this concert tonight- Thank you Counterpoint Coleraine- should be a fabulous night!

Counterpoint Choir and guests invite you to their spring concert Sat 30 May 7.30pm at St Pats, Coleraine. Programmes includes Mozart, Handel, Rutter and many more!
Proceeds to RNLI Portrush and Sophie’s Clinical Nurse Specialist
Tickets at door minimum donation £10
Refreshments included.

29/05/2026

The RNLI needs you! Applications are now open for face-to-face fundraising roles If you or anyone you know is interested in applying for a job with a difference, then please share the application link below and take a look at our day in the life of a face-to-face fundriaser.

The paid role helps the lifesaving charity reach thousands of people every year, sharing important water safety messages with beachgoers and visitors to some of the summer’s most popular events. It is also vital in helping the RNLI continue its lifesaving service, encouraging new supporters to sign up and donate.
A role within the RNLI’s face-to-face fundraising team offers flexible working in great locations across the country. Fundraisers receive full, high-quality training and competitive rates of pay, whilst also developing valuable professional and personal skills.
Lucy Hampson, Senior Face-to-Face Fundraising Manager at the RNLI, said: ‘Being a face-to-face fundraiser is a rewarding role; it is vital in helping to raise funds to support the RNLI’s lifesaving work and in delivering important water safety advice to those visiting the coast. If you’re friendly, approachable and interested in helping to share safety advice with thousands of beach visitors, it could be just the role for you.

‘Face-to- face fundraising jobs are very flexible and offer the chance to work in some stunning coastal locations. I’d encourage anyone, no matter what career you are considering, to take up the challenge and apply for a role today.’



https://lifesavingjobs.rnli.org/become-a-face-to-face-fundraiser/find-a-job?utm_source=online_jobsh…

27/05/2026

Portrush RNLI’s Inshore Lifeboat was requested to launch by the Coastguard today (Wednesday 27th) at 12.28 pm to reports of two kayakers in difficulty just off Ramore Head.

The Inshore Lifeboat ‘The Ken Blair’ was launched at 12.40 and arrived on scene at 12.45pm. Weather conditions were perfect with a clear sky, a light southern wind and excellent visibility.

When the ILB and her volunteer crew arrived on scene the two kayakers were in the water, alongside their kayaks.
The kayakers and their kayaks were taken on board the ILB and safely transported back to Portrush Harbour where they were handed over to the Coastguard.

Carl Kennedy Deputy Launching Authority said: -

‘This was a great outcome for all concerned today. The kayakers did the right thing staying with their kayaks, luckily it was a beautifully calm day, and this was a textbook rescue.
We hope the kayakers don’t suffer any ill effects.’

The ILB returned to station at 12.50.
Crew today Dave Robinson: Dan Thorne: Roo McCrudden
Launch Authority ; Carl Kennedy.

Photo Lauren Chambers

27/05/2026

How wonderful is this - Portrush Library enjoyed a Raft Race Day while the sun was shining outside! 😎

Everyone made their own rafts and listened to Dee the Little Lifeboat, inspired by RNLI! 🛟 What stars! Alice Rohdich Martin O'Kane

Portrush Library enjoyed a Raft Race Day while the sun was shining outside! 😎

Everyone made their own rafts and listened to Dee the Little Lifeboat, inspired by RNLI! 🛟

26/05/2026

With many enjoying the sun, we are asking you to remember one thing if you’re by the water:
- Tilt your head back with your ears submerged
- Relax and try to breathe normally
- Move your hands and legs to help you stay afloat
- It’s OK if your legs sink, we all float differently
- Once your breathing is under control, call for help or swim to safety.
Enjoy and stay safe