Dun Laoghaire RNLI rescues kayaker off Sorrento Point
Dun Laoghaire RNLI rescued a kayaker who was in the water for over 20 minutes on Saturday (2 July) after he got into difficulty off Dalkey Island.
The volunteer crew were alerted shortly after 4pm by the Irish Coast Guard after a member of the public spotted the kayaker in difficulty half a mile off Sorrento Point and immediately raised the alarm. The crew launched the inshore lifeboat at 4.10pm and arrived at the scene at 4.20pm.
The lifeboat helmed by Laura Jackson and with two crew members onboard, immediately made its way to the scene.
While weather conditions at the time appeared calm closer to shore, the sea was choppy on scene and water temperatures were low.
The kayaker had come off his kayak and was unable to get back into it. Arriving on scene, the crew observed the casualty who was wearing a lifejacket, floating close to his kayak. They rescued the kayaker and brought him safely aboard the lifeboat before returning to Coliemore Harbour. He was then transferred into the care of the Coast Guard team for medical assessment but did not require hospital treatment.
Speaking following the call out, Dun Laoghaire RNLI Helm Laura Jackson said: ‘We would like to commend the member of the public who spotted the kayaker and did the right thing by raising the alarm immediately. Time is always of the essence in these situations.
‘We encourage anyone setting out in a kayak or craft of any size to carry a means of calling for help in a waterproof pouch and wearing a suitable floatation device as the casualty did today.’
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
Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.