Crosshaven RNLI volunteers assist exhausted swimmer
Crosshaven RNLI's volunteers responded to their pagers which were activated at 2.34pm this afternoon (Saturday 15 June) after reports of a swimmer in difficulty between Myrtleville and Church Bay.
The inshore crew of Vince Fleming, Molly Murphy, Norman Jackson and Alan Venner made best speed to the area, before being notified that the swimmer had been taken from the water by the angling boat Mary J.
The very cold and tired casualty was taken onto the lifeboat where he was assessed. The crew took the lifeboat into Myrtleville beach and assisted the casualty to his car, where he was warmed up for 15 minutes before the crew and the casualty were happy he needed no further interventions.
Shore crew were Robbie O’Riordan, Aidan O’Connor, Jonathan Birmingham and JP English.
Speaking following the call out, Jon Mathers, Crosshaven RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer said: 'We would like to wish the swimmer well and commend the crew of the angling boat who were first on scene and picked him up. As we approach the summer, we would remind everyone regardless of their activity to always respect the water.
'We would encourage swimmers to swim between the red and yellow flags on a lifeguarded beach and if you can't make it to a lifeguarded beach, to learn more about your chosen beach before you go and read local hazard signs. Check weather and tide times before you go. Never swim alone. If you see someone in trouble, dial 999 and ask for the Coast Guard. Consider wearing a wetsuit and bright coloured hat for longer swims. Always swim parallel to the shore and not straight out. Cold water and currents can tire you quickly and make it harder to return to shore.'
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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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