Tramore RNLI assists two paddleboarders who get caught in offshore wind

The lifeboat was already afloat on a training exercise on the far side of Tramore Bay when the crew was tasked by the Irish Coast Guard at 7.55pm.

Helmed by Fergal McGrath, with crew members Nóirín Phelan, Ward Griffin and Will Palmer onboard, the lifeboat made its way across the bay and located the two paddleboarders, in a bay, west of Great Newtown Head.

The pair had been unable to make any headway against a strong north-easterly wind. They used a mobile phone carried in a waterproof pouch to call for help. Both were wearing lifejackets and were seek sheltering from the wind, rather than continuing to paddle.

Having assessed the situation, the crew brought the two paddleboarders and their boards safely aboard the lifeboat. Both paddleboarders were tired but otherwise in good health.

Speaking following the call out, Tramore RNLI Helm Fergal McGrath said: 'The paddleboarders made the right decision when they realised they couldn’t make progress against the wind. Conditions were challenging at the time. They sought shelter and called for help before they became cold and exhausted.

'We would encourage anyone going afloat to check the weather and wind direction, wear a suitable lifejacket or buoyancy aid and carry a means of calling for help in a waterproof pouch. If you see somebody in difficulty or get into difficulty yourself, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.'

Ends

RNLI Media Contacts

For further information, please contact:

Noirin Phelan, Social Media Officer for Tramore RNLI at [email protected]

Nuala McAloon, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for Ireland, 087 648 3547, [email protected]

Niamh Stephenson, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for Ireland, 087 125 4124, [email protected]

Key facts about the RNLI

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.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

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.