A local search and rescue organisation is appealing for more volunteers.
The Lough Ree RNLI, based at Coosan Point in Athlone, are recruiting volunteers in the areas of public engagement, fundraising, and looking after the RNLI shop.
Last year, the lifeboat responded to almost 50 call outs, and they are anticipating another busy season.
Press Officer with the Lough Ree RNLI, Tom McGuire, says volunteers are vital to the station's operation and anyone is welcome to join.
"Everyone can volunteer in different capacities. We have some people who have been volunteers all their lives, some people come and volunteer for a short period of time. We look on RNLI and everyone who volunteers who comes as "One crew". The crew that everyone hears about is the crew in the boat who save lives and go out on the lake to help people right throughout the year but there are also people who have to work on shore and work with people, and this is what we're looking for"
