The recent tragic loss of three lives in boating accidents along the south-west coast is a grim reminder of how important the sea rescue services are.
The lifeboat crews around the coast usually find their services are most in demand during the summer holiday season, when casual boaters and bathers find themselves in difficulty.
Next Saturday, people in the Baltimore area in west Cork will have an opportunity to support the local lifeboat that has saved many lives, including that of Mr Charles Haughey, when his yacht was wrecked on rocks near Mizen Head.
Cape Clear island is the venue for Lifeboat Day in aid of the Baltimore Lifeboat.
The guest speaker will be Mr Gene O'Sullivan of Valentia Radio, another stalwart service. The day will be filled with music, dancing and fun and all proceeds will go to the RNLI.
The Naomh Ciaran will start a shuttle service from Baltimore at noon, the Karycraft will begin sailing at 10 a.m. from Schull and the Maid of the Isles will leave Baltimore for Cape Clear via Schull at 10.30 a.m.