Wicklow lifeboat launched to assist Kite surfer in difficulty

The lifeboat under the command of Coxswain Nick Keogh was on scene three minutes after launching. Weather conditions in the area were wind north westerly force four with sea state rough.

The crew began an immediate search and quickly located a kite drifting off the north beach. During the search a member of the public in the area contacted the Coast Guard to report that the surfer had managed to paddle ashore on the Murrough.

The lifeboat crew made contact with the casualty on the beach and he made his way over to the lifeboat station to pick up his kite.

The crew on the callout were Coxswain Nick Keogh, Mechanic Brendan Copeland, Ciaran Doyle, Lisa O Leary, Carol Flahive, Ian Thompson and Matt Doyle.

Speaking after the callout, Wicklow RNLI Press Officer Tommy Dover said: ‘The kite surfer got into difficulties in offshore winds and had to abandon his kite and paddle ashore on his board. The crew carried out a first aid assessment of the casualty and he was found to have no injuries or require any further medical attention.’

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 146,000 lives.

Learn more about the RNLI

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