Galway RNLI called out to assist swimmer on St Patrick’s Day
Galway RNLI's volunteer lifeboat crew was requested to launch by the Irish Coast Guard at 9.35am this morning following a report of a swimmer in difficulty off Blackrock Diving Tower in Salthill.
The lifeboat was quickly launched and proceeded immediately to the scene. The Galway Fire Service was also tasked and they assisted the swimmer ashore.
Weather conditions were good with a Force 3 southerly breeze.
The volunteer lifeboat crew on board the Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat were Hem Brian Niland, Dave Oliver, James Rattigan and Ian Claxton supported by shore crew Shane Austin, Dave McGrath and Mike Cummins.
Paul Carey, Galway RNLI Deputy Launching Authority who was on scene at Salthill said: 'A great outcome in this case. Two people were swimming together and one of them appeared to get disorientated. Thankfully the alarm was raised quickly.
'Always remember if you see somebody in difficulty dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard. Always respect the water.'
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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 142,700 lives.
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