Courtmacsherry RNLI in call out to surfer in difficulty off Garrettstown

The Courtmacsherry lifeboat under Coxswain Ken Cashman and a crew of four were underway within minutes and proceeded at full speed to the area of the casualty in a swelly sea this afternoon. The lifeboat reached the area within 15 minutes but thankfully, with the help of family members, the casualty was already able to get ashore to safe surrounds. Also on scene quickly this afternoon were the Old Head / Seven Heads Coast Guard Unit.

Brian O'Dwyer, Courtmacsherry RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Operations Manager said: 'It was great to see the fast response of so many of our volunteer crew again today, when their bleepers activated, which ensured that we were at the scene very quickly.'

Brian reiterated that is so important to call the rescue services at 112 or 999 quickly once any incident like this occurs as the various rescue services are always at the ready 24 hours a day.

The Courtmacsherry RNLI lifeboat crew involved in today’s call out were Coxswain Ken Cashman, Mechanic Pat Lawton and crew Denis Murphy, Mark John Gannon and Peter Nunan.

As we experience lockdown times once again until 5 March and beyond, we would stress to all those that are partaking in any water activities or planning a visit to the coast over the next month, to remember and follow RNLI safety advice below along with all new Government regulations and to stay safe in these different times for all rescue services.

�. Have a plan - check the weather forecast, tide times and read local hazard signage.

�. Keep a close eye on your family – on the beach, on the shoreline and in the water

�. Don’t allow your family to swim alone

�. Don’t use inflatables at all, at all on the sea.Make sure to wear a Lifejacket at all times when taking to the sea in a boat.

�. If you fall into the water unexpectedly, FLOAT TO LIVE. Fight your instinct to thrash around, lean back, extend your arms and legs, and Float

�. In an emergency dial 999 or 112 immediately, and ask for the Coast Guard. The Rescue Services are there to help you all.

Ends

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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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