Dun Laoghaire RNLI assists in bringing swimmer to safety at the Forty Foot

The volunteer crew were requested to assist following a report that a swimmer had got caught in a current and was drifting close to a rocky outcrop.

The crew were alerted at 2.05pm by the Irish Coast Guard that a casualty was struggling to swim ashore, being pulled by the current and drifting around the back of the Forty Foot and out of sight. The inshore lifeboat Joval was launched within five minutes, helmed by Andrew Sykes, with volunteer crew members Gary Hayes and Ailbhe Smith aboard, and made best speed to reach the scene by 2.14pm.

Weather conditions were calm at the time with rippled water, however sea temperatures were considerably lower than those recently.

Prior to the arrival of the lifeboat, some quick-thinking members of the public using a life ring, had worked to bring others safely to shore. On arrival, the crew observed a swimmer who had been brought afloat on the life ring by others. The casualty was subsequently brought on to the lifeboat and brought ashore and into the care of waiting Dun Laoghaire Coast Guard unit where, although cold and tired with minor cuts and scrapes from the rocks, did not require medical attention.

Speaking following the call out, Dun Laoghaire RNLI helm Andrew Sykes said: ‘It was fortunate that the life ring was in position on the shore and that it could be used and we would like to commend those who safely worked to rescue those in need.

‘We would encourage swimmers to never go alone and always make sure that your activity is monitored by a colleague. Consider wearing a bright coloured swim cap and carrying a mobile phone in a waterproof pouch. Conditions can change in a short time, so be aware of potential risks and be well prepared before entering the water. Should you get into difficulty or see someone else in trouble, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.’

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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