Sligo Bay RNLI carries out search over potential water safety incident

The alarm was raised by concerned swimmers in the area of Deadman’s Point who noticed clothing that had been on the shore for several hours and a pair of crocs were floating in the water.

The volunteer crew launched their inshore lifeboat, the Sheila & Dennis Tongue at 2.58pm and an extensive search of the area was carried out. The lifeboat was joined by the Irish Coast Guard helicopter, Rescue 118 from Sligo, in the search. With nothing untoward found and no one reported missing, the Coast Guard stood down the search at 3.58pm.

Speaking after the call out, Dermot Gillen, Sligo Bay RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager said: 'The swimmers did the right thing by raising the alarm with the Coast Guard when they spotted the items of clothing as we know in that every minute can count if someone is in the water. Thankfully in this case it was a false alarm with good intent but we would always much rather launch and find that all is well than not launch at all.

'As we approach the Bank Holiday, we would encourage anyone planning a trip to the coast, to go prepared. If you are going for a swim, don't go alone, wear a bright coloured cap and a tow float. If you are planning an activity at sea, always wear a lifejacket or suitable flotation device. Always let someone know where you are going and when you are due back and carry a means of communication. Should you get into difficulty or see someone else in trouble, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.

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RNLI Media Contact

For more information, contact Aisling Gillen, Sligo Bay RNLI Lifeboat Press Officer at [email protected]

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