Bundoran RNLI lifesavers feature in new series of Saving Lives at Sea

Featuring footage captured on helmet cameras, the primetime documentary series lets viewers witness rescues through the eyes of the RNLI lifesavers while meeting the people behind the pagers.

The popular 10-part documentary is now in its seventh series and includes the lifesaving work of RNLI volunteer lifeboat crews from around Ireland and the UK.

Including interviews with lifeboat crews, the series will also hear from the rescuees and their families who are here to tell the tale, thanks to the RNLI.

This forthcoming episode on BBC2 at 8pm* this Thursday, 22 September includes Bundoran RNLI’s rescue in October last year of a teenage girl who got into difficulty in a rip current and was being taken out to sea. A member of the public becomes a good Samaritan when thinking safety first, enters the water with a lifebuoy and goes to the casualty’s aid, holding her until the lifeboat arrives.

Bundoran RNLI Helm Brian Gillespie who will feature in the upcoming episode, says: ‘Rip currents can be difficult to spot and can be notoriously dangerous. When you get caught in one, it can be a frightening experience. Peter, who responded initially with a lifebuoy deserves great credit for his role in the rescue because he had safety in mind first which was crucial in keeping both the girl and him safe until our lifeboat arrived. Great credit is also due to the large number of our volunteer crew who arrived at the station so promptly on the day as time is always of the essence in situations like these.

‘We are delighted to see this rescue featuring on this year’s series of Saving Lives at Sea. Our lifesaving work would not be possible without donations from the public and we are delighted to be able to share a frontline view of the rescues they support with their kind generosity.’

In 2021, RNLI lifeboats in Ireland launched 1,078 times, coming to the aid of 1,485 people, 21 of whom were lives saved. Bundoran RNLI launched 18 times, bringing eight people to safety, one of whom was a life saved.

*Please note the details on the regional variations: The same time in Northern Ireland and Wales. Scotland and Republic of Ireland will be able to view the episode on iPlayer after broadcast - if you have access to BBC Two on an external source then you may be able to watch it live but please do check this in advance.

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of 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 142,700 lives.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.