Clifden RNLI respond to child swept out to sea
Shortly after 4.30pm yesterday (Thursday May 28th), both Clifden RNLI lifeboats were launched to reports of a young child that had been swept out to sea on his surfboard while at the beach with his family in Renvyle.
The offshore wind conditions had changed extremely quickly and the child began to drift further and further away from the shore.
While the RNLI lifeboats were en route to the scene, a local fisherman had made his way to collect the casualty and brought him safely back to shore where he was reunited with his mother.
With the June Bank holiday and fine weather approaching, Community Safety Officer with Clifden RNLI Miryam Harris said,
‘With the beautiful weather at the moment we would encourage everyone to be safe in their seaside activities.
Be sure to check the tides and wind forecast regularly as conditions can change so quickly.
Always try to do your activity with another person, have a means of calling for help with you and wear a life jacket appropriate to your activity. We are all very relieved at the outcome of this launch and well done to the fisherman who came to the aid of this family’.
If you see someone in distress, dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.
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.