Dun Laoghaire RNLI respond to reports of missing swimmer

The swimmer was part of an organised swimming group who quickly realised that one of their number was no longer with them. All the swimmers were well equipped with bright hats and floats which made searching for the missing swimmer far easier.

Within 23 minutes of originally being paged, Dun Laoghaire in-shore lifeboat, helmed by Gary Hayes, located the swimmer and pulled them aboard the lifeboat. Other than being very cold all was well.

Ed Totterdell, Dun Laoghaire LOM, said: "it was great to see that the swimming group were wearing high viz swimming hats, swim floats and kept a close eye on each other. Being this prepared, enabled them to raise the alarm as soon as they realised one of the group was missing. Remember when swimming make sure someone knows where you are, wear appropriate clothing for the weather, take a means of calling for help in a dry pouch and always swim within your abilities."

For more information on cold-water swimming please visit https://rnli.org/safety/choose-your-activity/open-water-swimming

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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