RNLI's 'Float To Live' water safety exhibition launched at Cork Airport
Ireland Rnli Staff; Crosshaven Airport Cllr Gene Boyle, Council Lord Volunteer Hugh Tully, (ireland); Of O’connor, Mayor Dan Rnli Lead Cork; Picture: Byrne, Rnli Cork Safety Linda Water Rnli Aidan And
A unique water safety installation was officially launched by Lord Mayor of Cork, councillor Dan Boyle, at Cork Airport on Wednesday.
The 'Float To Live' interactive exhibition, featuring audio-visual displays, games, and practical water safety messages, will be available for passengers and visitors throughout the month of October.
The exhibition coincides with the 200th anniversary of the RNLI, which was founded on March 4, 1824 in London.
The RNLI operates 46 lifeboat stations across Ireland, including eight in Co Cork, located in Youghal, Ballycotton, Crosshaven, Kinsale, Courtmacsherry, Baltimore, Castletownbere, and Union Hall.
Notably, Courtmacsherry was one of the first RNLI stations established in Ireland, while Union Hall is one of the newest, celebrating its 10th anniversary this year.
In 2023, RNLI lifeboats were launched 963 times across Ireland, assisting 1,302 people and saving 34 lives.
The water safety exhibition at Cork Airport is part of a broader campaign to raise awareness about water safety across the country, with similar initiatives being held at the Port of Cork and airports in Derry and Belfast.
At the launch, the Lord Mayor highlighted the personal significance of the initiative, sharing that his father, a native of Arranmore Island in Donegal, had always stressed the importance of respecting the water.
"At a time when an increasing number of the public are using open water for leisure, the importance of preparation and safety equipment cannot be overstated," he said, welcoming the initiative as a timely reminder of the importance of water safety.
Linda-Gene Byrne, RNLI Ireland water safety lead, expressed her gratitude to Cork Airport for hosting the exhibition.
"We hope that the general public, especially young people, will take the opportunity to absorb the safety messages at the heart of this exhibition," she said.
Barry Holland, Cork Airport communications manager, said the exhibition not only marks the RNLI's 200th anniversary but also serves to educate the thousands of airport visitors throughout October.
“The work of the RNLI and its volunteers is well-known across Ireland and the UK, and it’s a real pleasure to support this vital water safety campaign," he said.
The exhibition, attended by RNLI volunteers from across Cork, will run until the end of the month.