Rescued family help RNLI spread lifesaving message during GAA Semi-Final
A Tyrone family who were rescued last year in Bundoran took to the pitch in front of thousands of fans at last weekend’s All-Ireland Hurling semi-final as part of the RNLI’s GAA partnership which aims to raise awareness of the risks of drowning and to encourage people to enjoy the water safely.
The GAA also asked Cahir McCallion (10) to present the sliothar to the referee prior to the match.
Cahir McCallion and his sister Beth (8) were swimming close to the shore on a beach in Bundoran, Co Donegal in May of last year when they were caught in a rip current which dragged them out to sea.Their father, Ryan McCallion got Beth safely back to shore but was unable to reach Cahir. With the help of locals the Bundoran lifeboat crew rescued Ryan and Cahir from the sea.The pair were transferred to hospital by helicopter and ambulance. Both made a full recovery and the family shared their story about their rescue at half time in Croke Park.
Fianche McCallion, Cahir’s mother who watched the drama unfold from the beach said: ‘I can’t thank the RNLI, Coast Guard and locals enough for saving Ryan and Cahir. I’m so proud of Ryan who brought Beth to safety and went back for Cahir. Watching it happen from the shore was terrifying. It all happened so quickly. The sea is unpredictable and it’s easy to get caught out by it. I’d like everyone to know how quickly things can change and to be aware of the risks while in the water. Lucikly the children were wearing wetsuits that day which helped to keep them warm. This partnership is a wonderful way of highlighting the message of water safety to more people.’
Bundoran RNLI Lifeboat Press Officer Shane Smyth said: ‘We are so thankful that we were able to help Ryan and Cahir on that day. It was a lovely sunny day and the beach was very busy. Despite the good weather the sea can be powerful and rip currents can occur. Our volunteer crew members drew on all their training that day. We wish the McCallions all the best and are grateful to them for sharing their experience.’
The RNLI GAA partnership comes under the GAA health and well being programme. As part of the partnership RNLI ambassadors visit GAA clubs around the country to give water safety advice to young people and to raise awareness of the risks of drowning with young players. As the teams took to the pitch for the Wexford and Limerick All-Ireland Hurling semi-final RNLI volunteer lifeboat crew unfurled two giant water safety flags on the pitch of Croke Park to promote the ‘Respect the Water’ campaign and share the Float to Live message.
Rip currents are strong currents that can quickly take swimmers from the shallows out beyond their depth. Should you get caught in one, try and stay calm, don’t panic. If you can stand, wade, don’t swim. Raise your hand and if you can, shout for help.
Never try to swim against the rip or you will get exhausted. Swim parallel to the beach until free of the rip, then make way for the shore. If you see anyone in difficulty, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.
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For more information please telephone Phoebe Igoe, RNLI Media Engagement Placement on 087 3979970 or [email protected] Nuala McAloon, Regional Media Officer on 0876483547 or [email protected] or Niamh Stephenson, Regional Media Manager on 0871254124 or [email protected] or please telephone Shane Smyth, Bundoran RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on
087 6611022 or [email protected].
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Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around Ireland and the UK. The RNLI operates 46 lifeboat stations in Ireland. The RNLI is independent of government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, the charity has saved over 142,200 lives.
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.
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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.