The RNLI’s annual Christmas appeal is underway, with a focus on the generations of families who have volunteered their time and commitment to the lifesaving charity.
This year there will be a new Coxswain with the Aran Islands RNLI Lifeboat Station, as long-time volunteer Aonghus Ó Hiarnain takes the helm.
Aonghus stared volunteering with the RNLI at 17, and had always desired to move up and become a Coxswain.
“When my fiancé Treasa and I had moved home from Australia and then had our daughter,” he explains, “I had to start working away on ferries and research vessels as an engineer again. This wasn’t ideal as I was spending a lot of time away.”
“When the Coxswain job came, I committed myself to training and preparing for the job. I was fortunate to be offered the job then which I gladly accepted.”
“It suits us as we want to stay on the island to raise the family and stay close to both our parents and this job allows us to do so.”
As Coxswain, Aonghus is in charge of the lifeboat and her crew at sea and as such, he is all too aware of the importance of training.
“Regular training for everyone on the crew is important. Everyone needs to get familiar with the person they are onboard with so that when a call-out comes, you know that the person next to you is going to do their part correctly and safely.”
“It is rare that the same crew do two call-outs after each other, so knowing that no matter who shows up, they have the same standard of training is important for the search and rescue capability of the station.”
This allows whatever crew and Coxswain are working together on the day to have complete confidence in one another, and complete their work calmly.
The job of Coxswain is a time-consuming one he acknowledges, often interrupting family time when they were sitting down for dinner. It can make planning family life a challenge.
“There is a need to know where somebody is at all times, for example on a weekend if Treasa goes for a walk or to the shop and I have our baby on my own.”
“If the pager goes off, then we need a plan for where Treasa is gone so that I can collect her with our baby and then they come to the station with me and take my car or that I bring the baby to the station and get Treasa’s parents who are living close the station to collect her.”
This is a side of the work that people don’t often see Aonghus states, and he gives all the credit to his wife for her patience and support in adapting to this.
“Without her support, it wouldn’t have been possible to take this job and make it work. She understands how vital the RNLI is to the island and the west coast and that we signed up to help keep it going.”
As for what he finds most rewarding, Aonghus says it’s a combination of the people you meet, the training and skills you gain and the opportunity to make a difference.
“You also have the chance to work alongside members of the community ranging in ages and experiences and backgrounds that you would normally never get the chance to work with.”
“Along with this, you are keeping a vital lifesaving service going on an island which needs it. For the time you give at the RNLI, you will receive good training, good memories, and a great sense of achievement after every call as you know you are making a difference.”
“I started my journey in the RNLI 13 years ago and I have never looked back and it has served me well.”
Whatever weather winter throws at them, RNLI crew members like those on the Aran Islands, are ready to battle the elements to save lives at sea.
Their rescues are only made possible by the RNLI’s generous supporters, helping to fund the essential kit, training and equipment needed by lifeboat crews.
As he prepares for his first Christmas on call as Coxswain, Aonghus says, ‘There’s no feeling quite like bringing someone home safe to their families – especially at Christmas.”
“But as a crew we couldn’t launch our lifeboat without kind donations from the public which fund the kit, training and equipment we need to save others and get home safely to our own families.”
To make a donation to the RNLI’s Christmas Appeal, and enable the charity to continue its lifesaving work, visit: RNLI.org/WinterAppeal
