Helvick Head RNLI responds to false alarm with good intent
Helvick Head RNLI was requested to launch their inshore lifeboat last night (Wednesday 4 May) following a report that a swimmer was in difficulty in Dungarvan Harbour.
With calm waters and little to no wind, the volunteer crew launched the lifeboat following the request by the Irish Coast Guard at 9.02pm. It followed a report that a swimmer was in difficulty between the Lookout in Dungarvan Harbour and Cunnigar Point.
The lifeboat, helmed by Alan Kelly and with crew members Joe Foley, Shane Walsh and Paidi Breathnach onboard, made its way to the scene. However, the lifeboat was shortly stood down as it transpired the swimmer wasn’t in difficulty and had reached the shore successfully.
Speaking following the call out, Sean Walsh, Helvick Head RNLI Deputy Launching Authority said: ‘This call out turned out to be a false alarm with good intent but we would commend the person who raised the alarm as we would always much rather launch and find that all is safe and well, than not launch at all.
‘On the first official week of summer, we would like to remind people if they are planning on going in the water, that Dungarvan Harbour is renowned for its rip currents and can catch even the most experienced swimmers out. If you’re caught in a rip, stay calm, don’t panic. Don’t swim against it but rather parallel to the shore until free of the rip and then make for shore.
‘We would also like to remind visitors and people new to our shores, that the RNLI has a range of translated safety messages and advice in many languages which are available to download here: https://rnli.org/safety/multi-lingual-resources
‘If you do get into difficulty or see somebody in trouble on the water or along the coast, dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.’
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 142,700 lives.
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