Wicklow RNLI assists father and son in difficulties
Both Wicklow RNLI lifeboats were launched today (Sunday 1 July) to assist two people on an inflatable dinghy near Brittas bay beach.
The father and son had set off from the popular tourist beach to fish in a small inflatable dinghy.
They were carried off shore south around Mizzen Head with the wind and tide, and were having difficulties rowing back to land.
Fortunately, the father managed to get the dinghy ashore on an inaccessible beach after much effort.
Onlookers and family members were unable to get down the cliff to help them, so they waited until the inshore lifeboat came ashore at 5.30pm and was able to pick up the stranded man and son.
They were transferred to the all-weather lifeboat a short time later and assessed by lifeboat first aider Carol Flahive.
The Irish Coast Guard helicopter Rescue 116 from Dublin was also tasked to the incident.
The two casualties were cold and shaken after their ordeal, but required no further medical assistance. They were landed safely back at Wicklow Lifeboat Station at 6.30pm and were picked up by relieved family members after having a hot drink.
Speaking following the call out, Tommy Dover, Wicklow RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer said: 'We would remind everyone planning an activity at sea to always respect the water. Always wear a lifejacket or buoyancy aid. Always carry a means of calling or signalling for help. Check the weather and tide times before you go. Tell someone about your plans - where you intend to go and when you expect to return.'
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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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