Skerries RNLI rescues two paddle boarders
Skerries RNLI rescued two paddle boarders this afternoon (28 March) after strong currents and offshore winds prevented them from making their way back to shore.
Shortly before 2.30pm this afternoon a retired Skerries RNLI volunteer noticed a man and woman struggling to make their way ashore on their paddle boards near Red Island in Skerries. He alerted the Lifeboat Operations Manager for the station and following a brief discussion it was decided that the pair were not making any progress. Dublin Coast Guard were contacted and the decision was taken to page the volunteer crew and launch the lifeboat.
The Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat “Louis Simson” was launched, rounding the headland at Red Island and arriving on scene in a matter of minutes. The man and woman were both extremely tired from fighting against the wind and tide. They were taken on board the lifeboat along with their paddle boards. A first aid assessment was carried out, but aside from being exhausted they did not require any further medical assistance.
They were returned safely to the beach at the lifeboat station. The lifeboat and station were deep cleaned and made ready for the next call out.
At the time there was a force six south west wind blowing and a slight chop in the sea.
Speaking about the call out, volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for Skerries RNLI, Gerry Canning said: ‘It doesn’t matter how good your equipment is, or how prepared you are, things can still go wrong at sea. We would remind anyone going to sea to carry a means of contacting the shore for help, even if you do not intend to go far. Something as simple as a phone in a waterproof pouch can make all the difference.”
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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