Skerries RNLI responds to report of swimmer in distress
Skerries RNLI was launched on Sunday afternoon (2 August) when Dublin Coast Guard received a 999 call reporting a swimmer in distress between Shenick and Colt islands off Skerries.
Shortly after 4pm, the volunteer crew launched the Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat Louis Simson and proceeded round the headland towards the islands. There was no immediate sign of anyone in the water in the area so a search pattern was started.
While carrying out the search, the crew spoke to two people on a paddle board who were in the area. They had not seen anyone in difficulty. The crew then spotted a swimmer making their way ashore in the area indicated by the caller. After another search, for which they were joined by Coast Guard helicopter Rescue 116, the lifeboat was stood down as Dublin Coast Guard were satisfied that the swimmer had made it safely to shore. The boat returned to station to be deep cleaned and made ready for the next service.
Conditions at the time were force three westerly wind with a slight swell.
Speaking about the call out, volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for Skerries RNLI, Gerry Canning said: ‘As far as our volunteers are concerned, a false alarm with good intent is still a good outcome. When the time comes and we are needed, the earlier we get the call the better. So we continue to encourage members of the public who are concerned about someone in the water to dial 999 and asking for the Coast Guard’
RNLI media contacts
For more information please telephone Gerry Canning, Skerries RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 087 988 4965 or email [email protected] or Nuala McAloon, RNLI Ireland Media Officer on 087 648 3547 or email [email protected] or Niamh Stephenson, RNLI Ireland Media Manager on 087 1254 124 or [email protected]
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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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