GENERAL
INFORMATION
This web site was
establised in 1999 to provide information about the 'life saving'
work and history of Portaferry RNLI Lifeboat Station and the
fundraising efforts of the Portaferry & District Lifeboat Guild.
Since the Station
opened in May 1980 the Portaferry RNLI Lifeboat has been launched
over 850 times, rescued 600+ people who were in danger and have
been directly responsible for saving the lives of over 100 persons.
Details of our
life saving 'shouts' for the past 21 years can be viewed on
'Our Rescues' page. Or click here.
Our 'Links'
page is updated frequently and is a continuing source of useful
nautical, safety and local information for yachtsmen and others
planning to visit the area. There are also links to some RNLI
historic videos. Or click here.
Some of the history
of the former Ballywalter, Cloughey and the Cloughey/Portavogie
lifeboat stations can be found on our Local RNLI History
page, or click here.
In addition there is now a short history of the Donaghadee
and Groomsport lifeboat stations.
To find out about
some of the earlier history of Portaferry lifeboat Station click
here
or go to the Scrapbook page.
Portaferry
Lifeboat Station is located at Portaferry, County Down, Northern
Ireland.
It
is the home of 'Blue
Peter V', an 'Atlantic 85'
lifeboat.
Our lifeboat was presented to the Station by
CBBC 'Blue Peter', a current and popular BBC Children's
Television programme for 60 years.
Funding for our 'Blue
Peter V' was achieved through
the efforts of children throughout the United Kingdom, the Republic
of Ireland and beyond. Both of our previous Blue Peter lifeboats
were funded by CBBC 'Blue Peter' and were named 'Blue
Peter V'.
The
Royal National Lifeboat Institution
is a charity.
The
'National Institution for the Preservation of Life from Shipwreck'
was founded on 4th March 1824 by Sir William Hillary from the
Isle of Man.
In
1854 the name of the institution was changed to the Royal National
Lifeboat Institution.
Today,
the RNLI has 238 lifeboat stations located in strategic locations
along the coastline and inland waters of the United Kingdom
and the Republic of Ireland. In addition there are now
over 240 RNLI life-guarded beaches. DUE
TO COVID-19 restrictions there are currently reductions in the
numbers of RNLI life-guarded beaches.
As
in 1824, the life-saving work of the RNLI is made possible through
membership contributions, donations and legacies.
To
find out how you could join our Crew, assist us with fundraising,
or help the RNLI in other ways, please click
here
For
our younger surfers and 'Stormforce' members - click here
for beach and water safety information.
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