Lough Swilly RNLI assists jet skier off Inch Island

With the long awaited heatwave providing sunshine, a gentle breeze and choppy seas, the lifeboat arrived promptly on scene, 3.2 nautical miles south west of the lifeboat station.

With the assistance of another jet skier, the engine had been restarted but had minimal power and was slowly making way. The volunteer crew stayed alongside until all parties were safely ashore at Inch Pier.

At the time of the launch request, Joe Joyce, Lough Swilly RNLI Operations Manager was hosting a visit from Irish Coast Guard members who are currently training as Watch Officers. After the inshore lifeboat launched, the visitors commented: ‘It was a great opportunity to see what happens at the lifeboat station once a launch request is received from the Coast Guard. As initiators of these launch requests, the observation of volunteers assembling and preparing the lifeboat for launch provides additional insight into the chain of activities that stem from when a 999 call is received.’

After the incident, Eamonn Mahon, Lough Swilly RNLI Coxswain commented on good water safety practice: ‘Always carry a means of calling for help when going afloat and stay with your craft in an emergency, it will keep you afloat and easy to locate. Make sure you are also wearing suitable clothing for the forecasted conditions. Should you get into difficulty, or see someone else in trouble, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.’

Ends

RNLI Media Contacts

For further information, please contact:

Bridgita Kelly, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for RNLI Ireland, [email protected]

Nuala McAloon, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for Ireland, 087 648 3547, [email protected]

Niamh Stephenson, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for Ireland, 087 125 4124, [email protected]

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI is the charity that 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 146,700 lives.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, TikTok 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.