Ballycotton RNLI rescue kite surfer in difficulty in Ballycotton Bay

The volunteer crew was requested to launch their inshore lifeboat following numerous reports from members of the public. The all-weather lifeboat remained on standby for the duration of the launch should further assistance been required.

Weather conditions at the time were described as mild with light winds.

Once on scene, the lifeboat crew brought the kite surfer onboard the lifeboat where they were medically assessed. The crew then determined that the casualty was in need of no further medical attention and was brought safely back to shore.

Speaking following the call out, Ballycotton RNLI Coxswain Eolan Walsh said: ‘We would like to commend the numerous members of the public who raised the alarm this morning for their vigilance. Their quick thinking contributed to a positive outcome for all involved. We reminded everyone taking to the sea this summer to respect the water no matter what their activity.’

Ends

RNLI media contacts

For more information please contact Michelle Scanlon, Ballycotton RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press on 0863528919, email mellsca@hotmail.com or contact Nuala McAloon RNLI Press Officer Ireland on 0876483547, email Nuala_McAloon@rnli.org.uk or Niamh Stephenson RNLI Public Relations Manager Ireland on 0871254124 or 018900460 or email Niamh_Stephenson@rnli.org.uk

Key facts about the RNLI

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution is the charity that saves lives at sea. Our volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service in the United Kingdom and Ireland from 238 lifeboat stations, including four along the River Thames and inland lifeboat stations at Loch Ness, Lough Derg, Enniskillen, Carrybridge and Lough Ree. Additionally the RNLI has more than 1,000 lifeguards on over 240 beaches around the UK and operates a specialist flood rescue team, which can respond anywhere across the UK and Ireland when inland flooding puts lives at risk.

The RNLI relies on public donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. As a charity it is separate from, but works alongside, government-controlled and funded coastguard services. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824 our lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved at least 140,000 lives. Volunteers make up 95% of the charity, including 4,600 volunteer lifeboat crew members and 3,000 volunteer shore crew. Additionally, tens of thousands of other dedicated volunteers raise funds and awareness, give safety advice, and help in our museums, shops and offices.

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The RNLI is a charity registered in England and Wales (209603) and Scotland (SC037736). Charity number 20003326 in the Republic of Ireland