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Sligo Bay RNLI in false alarm with good intent off Coney Island

Lifeboats News Release

Sligo Bay RNLI volunteers responded to a false alarm with good intent at 11.16am today (Bank Holiday Monday) to a swimmer thought to be in difficulty off Coney Island.

RNLI/Donal Hackett

Sligo Bay Lifeboat
The call was made by a member of the public who believed to have seen a swimmer in difficulty.
The volunteer crew assembled and launched the Sheila and Dennis Tongue at 11.25am and proceeded to the last sighting of the swimmer. A comprehensive search of the area and then an extensive search was carried out following the incoming tide. Other volunteer lifeboat crew made they way to both Coney Island and Oyster Island to carry out a shore search. The area around Deadman's Point was also searched and other swimmers were asked if knew of anyone who had gone swimming that had not returned. No one was reported missing.
The lifeboat was also joined on the search by Rescue 118 helicopter for a period of time.
After a number of hours searching, the lifeboat crew were stood down by the Coast Guard in what was believed to have been a false alarm call out with good intent.

Speaking following the call out, Aisling Gillen, Sligo Bay RNLI Lifeboat Press Officer said: 'We would like to thank the person who made the call as we would always prefer to launch and search and find that all is well and be stood down than not launch at all.'

During the Halloween break and throughout the winter season, the RNLI, Coast Guard and Water Safety Ireland have these top tips for open water swimmers:
  • Be Prepared: Check weather forecasts, tide information, and wave height. Bring warm clothes and a hot drink for after your swim. Carry a mobile phone in a waterproof pouch.
  • Never Swim Alone: Always go with a buddy and inform someone of your plans.
  • Acclimatise Slowly: Enter the water gradually to avoid cold water shock.
  • Be Seen: Wear a brightly coloured swim cap and consider using a tow float.
  • Stay in Your Depth: Know your limits and swim parallel to the shore.
  • Rip Current Safety: Stay calm, swim parallel to the shore to escape the current, and float to conserve energy if needed.
  • Let someone ashore know your plans, where you are going and when you expect to return.
Ends


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.

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