Galway RNLI rescues two people caught in rising tide off Silverstrand
Two people cut off by the high tide near Blackrock on Galway Bay today (Sunday 15 November) have been rescued by Galway RNLI.
The two, a man and a woman, had walked out to Seaweed Point between Blackrock and Silverstrand when the spring tide took them by surprise and submerged their access back.
A member of the public raised the alarm and the Irish Coast Guard immediately sought the assistance of Galway RNLI who launched at 4.43pm.
In the meantime, unaware that the lifeboat was on its way, one of the two took the decision to swim ashore to call for help. He was met at the shore by a member of the lifeboat shore crew and confirmed there was another person still stranded, which was relayed to the lifeboat.
Upon arrival, a lifeboat crew member searched the area, located the other casualty who was sheltering from the winds, and took her onboard the lifeboat. Both were brought back to the lifeboat station at Galway Docks where they were assessed. They did not require medical attention.
Paul Carey, Galway RNLI Deputy Launching Authority said: 'People can get cut off by the tide easily. We would remind everyone to check weather and tide times before venturing out and to always carry a means of communication should they need to raise the alarm if they do get into difficulty. If people do get caught in circumstances like this we would advise that they remain on land and not attempt to swim ashore until the rescue services arrive. We would like to wish the man and woman well.'
The crew on this call out were Helm Dave Badger, Brian Niland, Dave McGrath and Ross Forde.
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