Victoria Day long weekend is a first chance for many folks to get their docks set up, prep boats for the season, and head out on the open water. But cold water is an important factor to consider, . . .
Dun Laoghaire RNLI Rescues Paddleboarder off Blackrock By Mike Gilmore The alarm was raised just after 6:30pm on Monday evening.
A member of the public raised the alarm after observing the paddleboarder in difficulty, struggling to get back shore on Monday evening,
The paddleboarder was spotted about 150 metres off shore near Blackrock.
Within a few minutes of receiving the call, Dun Laoghaire RNLI launched a lifeboat crew to retrieve the paddleboarder.
Weather in the bay last night were described as quite rough, with strong offshore winds and a changing outward tide making for difficult and choppy conditions.
Ten minutes after they were paged, the lifeboat crew came across the casualty and brought them on board, where a care assessment was carried out, where they identified the early signs of hypothermia.
The Coast Guard and RNLI are expecting a busy May Bank Holiday weekend on the coasts and inland waters, with more people enjoying the warmer weather and the brighter evenings.
Both organisations are asking people to plan ahead for any water based or coastal activities by taking some simple steps. The call comes following an increase in the number and a broadening in the type of incidents requiring Coast Guard and RNLI intervention.
RNLI Lifesaving Manager Sean Dillion said: ‘Our volunteer lifeboat crews around the coast and on our inland waters are expecting a busy season as more people are out enjoying the water. Many of the callouts we deal with could have been avoided with some simple preparation and planning. We want people to be safe on the water and enjoy themselves. Whatever activity you are planning please take a few minutes to check the relevant safety advice and always dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard if you see someone in trouble on the water.’