Skerries RNLI rescue swimmer in difficulty at Shenick island
Skerries RNLI rescued a swimmer in difficulty this afternoon (11 April) after he encountered a strong tide near Shenick island and was unable to make his way ashore.
Dublin Coast Guard tasked Skerries RNLI shortly before 12pm on this afternoon, after receiving a 999 call from a member of the public who had spotted a swimmer struggling to make any progress against the tide at Shenick island off Skerries.
The volunteers launched the Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat Louis Simson with David Knight at the Helm and with crew members Philip Ferguson, Joe May and Laura Boylan also on board.
The lifeboat proceeded to the area indicated by the caller, where a Coast Guard Helicopter had also arrived on scene. They took the swimmer, a male, on board the lifeboat, protected him from the elements, and began first aid assessments as they made their way back to the station.
The casualty had swallowed seawater during his efforts to swim to shore and as a result, on the advice of the crew, he was transferred by ambulance to hospital for further assessment.
Speaking after the call out, Gerry Canning, Lifeboat Press Officer for Skerries RNLI said: ‘We’ve had a couple of tidal related incidents in the last few days. We’d just like to remind people that the strength and height of the tide varies throughout the month. We would strongly recommend checking tide tables before engaging in any activity on or near the sea.’
RNLI media contacts
For more information please telephone Gerry Canning Skerries RNLI volunteer lifeboat press officer on 087 988 4965 email [email protected] or Niamh Stephenson RNLI Public Relations Manager on 087 1254 124 or 01 8900 460 email [email protected] or Nuala McAloon RNLI Press Officer Tel: 087 6483547 email: [email protected] or contact RNLI Public Relations on 01202 336789
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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 146,000 lives.
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