Galway RNLI launch to assist two kayakers in difficulty on Galway Bay
Galway RNLI's volunteer crew were requested by the Irish Coast Guard to launch at 3.30pm today to assist two kayakers in difficulty off Hare Island, in inner Galway Bay.
Dave Badger who was helm on board the lifeboat said: ‘Today’s call out shows how important it is to be able to raise the alarm if you get into difficulty on the water. The kayakers we rescued today had a mobile phone with them and were able to call for help when they were unable to return to shore.
'Even in fine weather things can go wrong and it is important to always have a means of calling for help as part of your kayaking kit and keep it on you, within reach, at all times. If you get into difficulty or if you see see someone in difficulty in the water, please dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.’
Ends
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.
Learn more about the RNLI
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.
Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.