Lifeboat called out

Person entered the water

On Sunday, Valentia Coast Guard requested Lough Derg RNLI lifeboat to launch to assist a person reported in the water in Youghal Bay.

At 11.30am Lough Derg RNLI lifeboat Jean Spier launched with volunteer helm Chris Parker and crew Doireann Kennedy, Joe O’Donoghue and Deirdre Gleeson on board. The wind was northeasterly, Force 2 to 3. Visibility was good.

As the lifeboat was launching, volunteers were informed that the person had been recovered from the water and was now ashore at Garrykennedy Harbour. They were requested to proceed to the scene. The Irish Coast Guard Search and Rescue helicopter, Rescue 117, was also scrambled from its base in Waterford to assist.

At 11.37am, the lifeboat arrived on scene. RNLI volunteers with casualty care training, including a nurse practitioner, assessed the casualty while waiting for the ambulance crew to arrive

The people on board the vessel from which the casualty had entered the water, had immediately recovered the person and administered lifesaving first aid. The casualty had been wearing a lifejacket.

At 11.51am, following a further assessment by ambulance crew, the casualty was deemed well enough to travel to hospital by ambulance. Valentia Coast Guard stood down Rescue 117 helicopter, which had been in a holding position close by, ready to land.

Commenting on the callout, Peter Kennedy, Launching Authority at Lough Derg RNLI, said: “Thankfully, the person who entered the water was wearing their lifejacket and was quickly recovered on board, where they received essential first aid care. We remind everyone, if you find yourself unexpectedly in the water learn to Float to Live: tilt your head back with your ears submerged, relax and try to breathe normally, move your hands and legs to help you stay afloat. It’s OK if your legs sink, we all float differently. Once your breathing is under control, call for help or swim to safety. If you see someone else in trouble in the water, remember Phone, Float, Throw: dial 999 or 112, or use VHF radio Channel 16 and ask for the Coast Guard. Tell the struggling person to Float to Live, throw them something that floats, such as a life ring."