Peter Connon

I’m taking on the Mayday Mile Challenge to support RNLI volunteers

This May, I’m completing at least a mile-a-day challenge to help RNLI crews save lives at sea.

On Easter Monday 2021, I was out sailing with four young members of my family when we encountered a squall that resulted in one of our craft capsizing. In trying to aid the group the second craft also capsized and with the weather worsening we were unable to right the vessels. Our mobile phones were rendered useless, but we managed to set off a personal locator beacon and kept calm until help arrived. The group has attended sailing courses and know what to do in an emergency. Our equipment and quick thinking kept us safe until the RNLI lifeboat crew were able to rescue us.

 I’ve lived in Youghal all my life and I’m an experienced sailor, as are my family. That day we took every precaution, but the weather turned, and we quickly found ourselves in serious trouble. We didn’t hesitate to raise the alarm and our equipment and knowledge kept us safe until help arrived. I can’t describe the feeling of joy when you see those big orange lifeboats come into view.  I’m a big man but we were scooped into that lifeboat like we weighed nothing. They were so professional and reassured us that we had done everything right. My family are so grateful to Youghal and Ballycotton RNLI and to the paramedics and Coast Guard crews who also attended to us that day. What might have happened only hit me much later. I’m doing the Mayday Mile fundraiser to thank the RNLI and hopefully by sharing my story other people will know that anyone can get into difficulty and it’s important to have a means of calling for help straight away.’ I would urge everybody who goes out on the water to carry a PLB ‘Personal Locator Beacon’. 

During summertime, more people flock to beaches and coastal towns to make the most of everything they have to offer – from glorious sunshine to adventurous watersports. And as temperatures rise, so do calls from people in trouble in the water.

By answering this Mayday call and giving a gift today, you can make a real, lifesaving difference. Your kindness will help give volunteers everything they need to launch to the rescue, and make sure they’re ready to face their busiest season.

I am doing my own Mayday Mile walk on the Youghal boardwalk every day next month.

Will you sponsor my RNLI Mayday Mile Challenge and support the courageous crews?