Newcastle RNLI rescue two people and a dog drifting out to sea on an inflatable

The volunteer crew were requested by Belfast Coastguard to launch their relief Atlantic 85 class lifeboat, Enid Foster MBE, at 4pm, following a report of an inflatable drifting off Minerstown Beach.

The lifeboat helmed by Locky Leneghan and with crew members Declan Barry, Trez Dennison and Ciaran Leneghan onboard, made best speed towards the area. Conditions at the time were calm with a slight swell. With communication from the lifeguards on patrol at Tyrella Beach who could see what was happening, the lifeboat arrived 15 minutes later and located the casualties half a mile off the coast.

Once on scene, the crew checked that everyone was ok before transferring them on to the lifeboat and bringing them back to the beach and into the care of Newcastle Coastguard.

Speaking following the call out, Newcastle RNLI Helm Locky Leneghan said: ‘As we enjoy a continued long spell of summer sunshine, we would encourage everyone to enjoy themselves but to please do so safely. Inflatables can be a lot of fun, but they are designed for the pool and not the beach as they can easily be swept out to sea and get people into difficulty.

‘We would encourage anyone planning a trip to the beach this summer, to choose a lifeguarded one. If planning an activity in the water, go prepared. Wear a lifejacket or suitable flotation device for your activity. Always carry a means of communication such as a mobile phone in a waterproof pouch. Should you get into difficulty or see someone else in trouble, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.’

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The RNLI is the charity that 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 146,700 lives.

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