Clogherhead RNLI on stand by in multi-agency response to swimmers at Port Beach

The all-weather lifeboat was requested to launch at 4.48pm by the Dublin Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre following a report of an incident at the northern end of the beach.

The group managed to make their way safely ashore, where local Coast Guard personnel, who were first on scene, carried out an initial assessment. Two people had ingested a significant amount of water and as a precaution, were transferred from the beach by the Irish Coast Guard helicopter, Rescue 116 from Dublin to hospital for further assessment and observation.

Local Gardaí and the National Ambulance Service also responded promptly.

The Shannon was launched but the crew were stood down before the lifeboat entered the water. Crew on the call out included Coxswain Brian Sharkey, mechanic Barry Sharkey, and crew members Derek Shevlin, Carol Holdcroft, Barbara Kirk, and Patrick Rath. Shore crew Brian Boylan, Shamey McEvoy, Carolyn Stanley, Paul Finn and Kevin Wallace returned the lifeboat to the station where it was made ready for its next service.

Speaking after the call out, Paul Johnstone, Clogherhead RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager said: ‘We are glad the swimmers got to safety and would like to wish them well and commend our colleagues in the Coast Guard for their work.

'The north end of Port Beach can be deceiving with sudden drop-offs in seabed levels and strong currents. We would encourage anyone planning an activity on or near the water to check the weather and tide times before heading out; if walking along the shoreline, to remain alert to rising tides, which can quickly lead to stranding and to choose a lifeguarded beach and swim with others, and stay within your depth. Be aware of rip currents, which can rapidly carry even strong swimmers away from shore. If you get into difficulty or see someone in trouble, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.’

Ends

RNLI Media Contacts

For further information, please contact:

Fiona Lynch, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for Clogherhead 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]

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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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