Barra Island RNLI Lifeboat

31/12/2025

New Year dip on the cards? Follow RNLI advice 👇
- Check the weather, tides and sea conditions before you go.
- Take warm clothes, a hot drink and a phone in a waterproof pouch.
- Never swim alone, go with somebody you trust and choose a familiar spot. Let someone know your plans and attend a pre-organised dip.
- Enter the water slowly and never jump in. Walk in, let your breathing settle and swim when you feel in control and comfortable.
- Wear a brightly coloured swim cap and consider using a tow float.
- Stay within your limits. Swim parallel to the shore and know when it's time to get out.
- If you get into difficulty, Float to Live.
- If you or someone else needs help, call 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard.
If in doubt, don't go out. There will always be another day for a safe and enjoyable swim
Happy and safe New Year on Barra and Vatersay from all the crew!

17/12/2025

24/11/2025

14/11/2025

09/10/2025

You may have noticed our station flag flying at half mast.

This follows the tragic news from the Norwegian sea rescue society, Redningsselskapet (RS) who reported on Saturday that it has lost one of its own - a boat crew member who was killed while attempting a rescue in Norway's Lofoten.

Adrian Willyson Brask, a much-valued member of RS made the ultimate sacrifice during a rescue operation to save a child. His loss is felt deeply by the global Search and Rescue community, and we stand united with our colleagues at RS in mourning him.

"He died while performing the most important task a rescue boat crew can have - to try to save another life," said Grete Herlofson, general secretary of Redningsselskapet.

Adrian’s death is a sobering reminder of the inherent risks faced by those who dedicate their lives to saving others.

26/09/2025

Earlier today, Friday 26th September, William (Wing) Munro’s family, extended RNLI family and many friends said goodbye to the RNLI legend and local hero.
Volunteer crews from Longhope, Wick, Stromness, Barra, Portree and senior RNLI staff came to say their farewells.
The hearse containing his coffin, draped in the RNLI flag, arrived at the Thurso Lifeboat station to a guard of honour consisting of past and present RNLI personnel with Thurso and Longhope lifeboats afloat in the harbour.
The hearse and family cars left the station with an es**rt of Coastguard, Ambulance, Fire service and Police vehicles.
Both lifeboat crews lit flares as a mark of respect.
Wing’s service was conducted by his great friend Chaplain H. Murray Campbell O.B.E, M.N.M, within St Peter’s & St Andrew’s Church.
Following the service RNLI personnel walked behind the hearse for several hundred yards.
At Thurso cemetery there was a further RNLI guard of honour and the mourners toasted Wing with a wee dram.

11/09/2025

It is with great sadness that we have to inform you that probably one of the best known members of Thurso lifeboat crew has passed away.
William (Wing) Munro passed away peacefully early this morning (Thursday 11th September) in Wick General Hospital.

Wing was a teenager when he joined the RNLI in January 1970, serving as full-time coxswain from January 2002 until November 2017.
He took part in countless shouts and was involved in some of the most notable rescues undertaken by the Thurso crew. Wing received multiple awards from the RNLI including the Thanks of the Institution on Vellum following the rescue of the scallop boat, Aztec, in Loch Eriboll in 1997, and a bronze certificate in the aftermath of the multi tank, Ascania, incident in 1999.
Wing completed 55 years with the RNLI, the last few years as deputy LOM.
During King Charles III's recent visit to Scrabster the King presented Wings daughter Dee with The King’s Coronation Medal, sadly Wing was too ill to attend.
He was an inspiration to many of the lifeboat crew members and will be sadly missed. Our thoughts are with his family and many friends.
Thurso RNLI station and the local community has lost a local hero and legend, as a mark of respect the RNLI flag is flying at half mast.

01/09/2025

21/08/2025

16/08/2025

Next week we head to the beautiful west coast of Scotland as we continue on our challenge to visit all 238 RNLI Lifeboat Stations in the UK and Ireland.

Follow our journey on our socials and website as we visit:
RNLI Girvan Lifeboat
RNLI Troon Lifeboat
Largs Lifeboat
RNLI Helensburgh
RNLI Tighnabruaich Lifeboat
Arran RNLI
RNLI Campbeltown Lifeboat Station
RNLI Islay Lifeboat
RNLI Oban Lifeboat Station
Tobermory RNLI Lifeboat
Mallaig RNLI lifeboat
Portree RNLI
Kyle Lifeboat RNLI
RNLI Lochinver Lifeboat
Stornoway RNLI
Leverburgh Lifeboat Station
Barra Island RNLI Lifeboat

Help us raise vital funds for the amazing OneCrew Heroes. All of our links are below:
https://linktr.ee/238rnlichallenge

CalMac Ferries RNLI

14/08/2025