As the RNLI launches it Christmas fundraising appeal in Fermanagh it will be the first Christmas on call as Lifeboat Helm for volunteer Kyle Boyd.

The RNLI will see its volunteer lifeboat crews sacrifice time with their loved ones to save others this Christmas.

In Carrybridge RNLI this Christmas it will be no different for Kyle and the other volunteers.

Over Christmas and the new year, volunteers will be ready to answer the call for help, each time hoping to reunite another family, and see those in trouble on the water safely returned.

RNLI volunteer Kyle Boyd joined the lifeboat crew about seven years ago when a colleague at work, who was also a lifeboat volunteer, talked about it and Kyle felt it was something he’d like to do. Kyle’s father was in the RNLI some years before, and he had spent time fishing on Lough Erne and knew the water and the area well.

Kyle has been very active in getting his training completed to qualify as a Helm on the lifeboat, which will bring the number of Helms at the station up to four.

The Helm is responsible for the lifeboat during launching, on the water and through to recovery of the vessel while endeavouring to safeguard and rescue the lives of those in danger.

They also have a responsibility for the safety of their crew. Kyle is also the Lifeboat Training Assessor for the station and has recently completed a casualty care course. He is one of a large group of volunteers who serve the station at Carrybridge and they, along with their colleagues in Enniskillen, provide a vital search and rescue function on Lough Erne.

Speaking on his volunteering with the charity and what it means to him, Kyle said: "I’m very lucky that I am in a position to give something back to my community. From fishing with my father on the lake and growing up around here, I love where I’m from. I have an understanding employer who lets me leave work for callouts when I can and have a fiancé and family that support me in what can be an unsociable activity, getting callouts at all hours.

"Our training is second to none and it keeps me focussed on what I might need to do during rescues. We have two lifeboat stations that cover Lough Erne and a range of local services providing support on the water. However, none of this would be possible without the support of the public, for which was are very grateful."

Last Christmas (December 24, 2021– January 1, 2022), RNLI lifeboat crews across the UK and Ireland saved the lives of eight people, the highest number recorded in five years. The charity’s volunteer crews aided 88 people during the festive period in 2021, which is an 87 per cent increase from 2020 and the highest number recorded since 2018.

The callouts the lifeboat crew go on would not be possible without donations from the RNLI’s generous supporters, helping to fund the essential kit, training and equipment needed by lifeboat crews all year round. The RNLI has launched its Christmas appeal, as the charity asks for help to continue its lifesaving work on the water.

To make a donation to the RNLI’s Christmas Appeal visit: RNLI.org/Xmas

The RNLI encourage those visiting coastal areas and the inland waterways this Christmas to:

• Check the weather forecast, and read local hazard signage to understand local risks.

• If you get into trouble Float to Live – lie on your back and relax, resisting the urge to thrash about.

• In an emergency dial 999 and ask for the Coast Guard.

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