SOS swim at Portrush for RNLI

SOS is the renowned maritime distress call but in Portrush terms for one day it stands for ‘Swim Our Severn’ raising funds for the RNLI.

The All-weather Lifeboat in Portrush is a Severn class, hence the name for the day, which involves people jumping into the sea without wetsuits and swimming around the lifeboat

SOS Day is a well-known fundraising day within the RNLI and it is organised and run by the crew themselves with some assistance from partners, friends and the fundraising teams.

The day itself was bright and clear and perfect for the ‘jumping’.

Safety cover was provided by RNLI Lifeguards, The Coastguard and those volunteer lifeboat crew who weren’t actually swimming.

A total of 50 hardy souls took the plunge raising £2187 for the RNLI.

Hot soup made by the Coxswain’s wife, Shirley Austin, along with sandwiches made by the other crew wives were readily available in Portrush Yacht Club after the event and everyone was really appreciative of the hot showers in PYC.

After the food, a raffle was held to generate more funds and thanks must go to everyone who provided the crew with prizes to raffle.

Portrush Lifeboat Crew would like to thank their Lifeguard and Coastguard colleagues for cover on the day and everyone who contributed to the continued success of the SOS Swim.

The RNLI charity saves lives at sea.

Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the Ireland and the UK.

The RNLI operates over 230 lifeboat stations with 43 in Ireland.

The RNLI is independent of the Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service.

Since the RNLI was founded in 1824 its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 137,000 lives.

If you would like to donate to the RNLI, just log onto www.rnli.org for further information along with a huge range of information and articles.