Bangor RNLI involved in rescue of swimmer from Skippingstone Beach
Bangor RNLI was involved in the rescue of a swimmer off Skippingstone Beach yesterday morning.
The volunteer crew was requested to launch their inshore lifeboat at 9.49am following a request from Belfast Coastguard to assist with a swimmer in difficulty.
The lifeboat helmed by Jack Irwin and with crew members Christine Beale and Johnny Gedge onboard, immediately made their way to the scene just outside Bangor harbour breakwater.
There was a Force 5-6 wind at the time and quite a heavy sea state amid the bright conditions.
Arriving on scene, the crew observed the swimmer who had got caught in the heavy swell making their way ashore with the assistance of the Belfast Coastguard shore team. The helm brought the lifeboat Ruby Robinson, into the sheltered waters of the harbour and stood by. The casualty who was exhausted was then handed over into the care of the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service for further treatment and the lifeboat was stood down.
Speaking following the call out, Bangor RNLI Helm Jack Irwin said: ‘Unseen currents, cold water and waves make open water swimming more challenging. Even the strongest swimmers can tire quickly in the sea. Always take a means of calling for help and should you get into difficulty or see someone else in trouble, dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.’
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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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