Skerries RNLI bring seven people to safety over busy weekend

On Sunday afternoon, just before 2pm, the Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat Louis Simson was launched after Joe May, one of the volunteer Helms in Skerries spotted three swimmers in difficulty off the local swimming spot known as The Captains. The swimmers were a long distance offshore and struggling to swim back against the tide. Joe contacted the Lifeboat Operations manager and a decision was made to page the crew.

The lifeboat proceeded directly towards the captains before carrying out a quick search of the area. The volunteer crew soon spotted one of the swimmers and the lifeboat was quickly brought alongside them. As they were assisting the swimmer on to the lifeboat a second swimmer was spotted, the lifeboat was repositioned and they were also taken on board. The swimmers informed the crew that there was a third member of their party also in the water. This person was located near The Captains having made their way to the shoreline, however, as a precaution they were also taken on to the lifeboat.

The casualties were brought safely into the lifeboat station where their condition was further assessed. However, they were happy that they required no medical assistance, and were soon on their way again.

Less than 24 hours earlier, shortly before 5pm on Saturday (17 July) evening, the crew were paged after reports were received of a small fishing vessel that was broken down one mile north of Skerries islands. The lifeboat was launched and proceeded directly to the location provided by the casualty vessel. The boat, with four adults on board, was soon located anchored near the islands. After a quick risk assessment, the Helm decided that the safest course of action was to establish a tow and bring the boat safely into Skerries harbour.

On Thursday (15 July) evening, the lifeboat had launched on a scheduled training exercise shortly before 8pm. Almost immediately after launch, Dublin Coast Guard tasked Skerries RNLI to investigate reports of paddle boarders in difficulty between the islands in Skerries.

A concerned member of the public had dialled 999 to report that some paddle boarders appeared to be having difficulty getting back to shore and had drifted out of sight. The lifeboat quickly made it’s way round the headland and headed towards the islands. They soon spotted a couple of people on paddle boards near Shenick island. After speaking to them it soon became clear that they were the reported casualties, however they were not in any difficulty. The lifeboat was stood down and proceeded to complete their scheduled training exercise.

Speaking about the call outs, volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for Skerries RNLI, Gerry Canning said: ‘The fine weather means that we have a lot of people heading to coast to make the most of our beaches and the water. We’d just like to remind people to make sure they do what they can to have a safe day out. Always check the forecast and the tides, let someone know where you are going and when you intend to return, and always carry a means of contacting the shore should you need assistance.’

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]

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

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