Skerries RNLI rescues kite surfer near Rush

Skerries RNLI volunteers launched their Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat “Louis Simson” shortly after 1.30pm yesterday (Saturday 08 May) after Dublin Coast Guard had received numerous 999 calls reporting a kite surfer in difficulty off the beach south of Rush point.

The lifeboat rounded the headland at Red Island and navigated their way beyond the Skerries islands and towards Rush south beach. Almost immediately after arriving on scene one of the volunteer crew spotted the casualty in the water. The casualty, a male, was floating on his board and attempting to make his way ashore. He was taken on board the lifeboat and assessed for any injuries. At the same time the Coast Guard helicopter Rescue 116 arrived on scene.

The casualty required no further medical assistance and it was decided to bring him back to shore in Rush Harbour. However, as the lifeboat approached the entrance, it became apparent that the direction of wind and tide was resulting in a large surf running directly into the harbour. The Helm decided that it was too much of a risk and instead the casualty was returned safely to shore at the lifeboat station in Skerries. When the lifeboat had been recovered to station and made ready for the next call out, one of the volunteer crew then gave the casualty a lift back to Rush by car.

At the time there was a force four south easterly wind blowing and a moderate sea swell.

Speaking about the call out, volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for Skerries RNLI, Gerry Canning said: ‘The sea and the weather can both be unpredictable, and even the more experienced can occasionally be unfortunate enough to be caught out. Thankfully a member of the public saw the potential for the situation to worsen and called the Coast Guard on 999.”

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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