Skerries RNLI rescue two swimmers in difficulty

Dublin Coast Guard radio requested an immediate launch of the lifeboat in Skerries shortly before 5pm after they had received a 999 call from the public that there were swimmers shouting for help off the local swimming spot known as The Captains.

The volunteers had the Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat Louis Simson on the water within minutes of the pagers being activated. Less than two minutes after launching they had arrived on scene. A member of the public standing on shore at the captains was indicating the direction that the swimmers had been seen and the crew soon spotted them in the water approximately 300 metres offshore. The swimmers, a man and a woman were taken on board the lifeboat where their condition was quickly assessed. They were experienced swimmers but had been caught by a current and as a result they had been in the water for 40 minutes and were both cold and exhausted.

The crew made them as comfortable as possible while the lifeboat made its way back to the station. They were brought into the crew changing rooms where they were helped to dry off and begin to warm up while local doctor and volunteer crew member Jack Keane further assessed their condition. It was decided, as a precautionary measure, to request an ambulance. Following a thorough check over by the paramedics in the ambulance both casualties were soon happy enough to be on their way.

Skerries Coast Guard volunteers also responded and were on scene when the lifeboat returned to offer assistance if needed.

Conditions at the time were calm with a force two Southerly wind.

Speaking about the call out, volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for Skerries RNLI, Gerry Canning said: ‘When you hear that there is a swimmer in difficulty you are immediately concerned as they are already in the water, so every second counts. The crew assembled very rapidly, and shore crew and tractor driver did a great job launching the boat safely and quickly. The member of the public who made the prompt 999 call and directed the lifeboat in the direction of the casualties played a big part too. It’s a great outcome from a serious situation’

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]

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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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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.