Youghal RNLI called out to swimmers in trouble at front strand
The volunteer crew of Youghal RNLI were paged this evening (Tuesday 18 August) by the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre to reports of a swimmer in difficulty around half a mile off shore at the front strand
Launching the Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat, in calm conditions at 8.23pm, the crew received a subsequent report of a second swimmer entering the water to assist the first swimmer and getting into difficulty. Both swimmers managed to make it ashore without any assistance from the crew. The lifeboat made a general search of the area before returning to the station where the Atlantic 85 was cleaned, refuelled and made ready for service with the support of the the awaiting shore crew.
Speaking after the call out, Youghal RNLI volunteer Deputy Launching Authority Mark Nolan said: ‘Swimming in open water is very different from swimming in a pool. Unseen currents, cold water and waves make open water swimming more challenging. Even the strongest of swimmers can tire quickly. Remember to always tell someone where and when you are going swimming, and if you see anybody in trouble in the water call 112/999 and ask for the coastguard.
Notes to editors
Photo credit Mark Nolan.
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For more information please telephone Lou Stepney, Youghal RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 086 893 0572 or E_Stepney-Power@rnli.org.uk or Nuala McAloon, Regional Media Officer on 0876483547 or Nuala_McAloon@rnli.org.uk or Niamh Stephenson, Regional Media Manager on 0871254124 or Niamh_Stephenson@rnli.org.uk
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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 over 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and, in a normal year, 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 142,700 lives.
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