2009 was a busy year for RNLI stations with a sharp increase in lifeboat launches across the county.
In Clare, Kilrush RNLI were involved in 8 rescues with the boat launched 7 times
The Lough Derg Station which works in co-ordination with Killaloe Ballina Search and Rescue, Mountshannon Rescue and the Civil Defence rescued over 34 people.
The most common reason for a call-out was machinery failure followed by a grounded vessel – While the third most common reason was for vessels believed to be in danger or trouble and the fourth was medical emergencies
Now the RNLI warns people to carry lifejackets and distress flares and to tell others where you are going – the charity is now hoping members of the public will respond to the sharp increase in demand for its services
