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Sligo Bay RNLI launch to four swimmers in difficulty

Lifeboats News Release

Sligo Bay RNLI's volunteer crew were requested to launch their inshore lifeboat to reports of four swimmers in difficulty this afternoon (Wednesday 21 June) at Strandhill beach.

Sligo Bay RNLI's inshore lifeboat

RNLI/Aisling Gillen

Sligo Bay RNLI's inshore lifeboat

The Irish Coast Guard requested the Sheila & Dennis Tongue lifeboat to launch at 2.28pm to reports of four swimmers in difficulty off the beach in Strandhill.

On arrival at the scene at 2.47pm, the Coast Guard advised the lifeboat crew that three swimmers had been rescued by local surfers but that a fourth person was missing. The volunteer crew continued search the area until they were stood down by the Coast Guard, as the fourth swimmer had been successfully rescued and brought to shore. The ambulance was also on the scene to assess all four swimmers.

Strandhill beach has a very strong undercurrent and swimming is prohibited. Aisling Gillen, Sligo Bay RNLI Lifeboat Press Officer said: 'Thankfully today had a happy ending but it is important to always observe the signage and only swim at a lifeguarded beach.'

Ends

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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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