Galway RNLI rescue two walkers cut off by incoming tide

The request to launch came shortly before 3pm and volunteer crew of Pierce Purcell, James Rattigan, Aaron Connolly and Seán King launched the lifeboat shortly after and were quickly underway to Hare Island on inner Galway Bay.

Conditions at sea were good with good visibility thanks to the current spell of fine weather. When the lifeboat reached Hare Island, one of the crew went ashore and located the two casualties who were safe and well. The crew brought the casualties on board the lifeboat and returned to the lifeboat station at the New Docks.

Seán King who was helm on the lifeboat said: ‘We launched quickly when we got the call that there were people stranded on Hare Island because the tide had come in and covered the causeway to the island. Luckily lifeguards on a nearby beach noticed that people hadn’t returned from the island and raised the alarm. If you get into difficulty or see someone in difficulty, please dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.

‘Walking around coasts is a very safe activity most of the time. Our advice is to always take a means of calling for help and to check the tides. Tide times and heights vary throughout the month and can easily catch you out if you haven’t checked them. Always let someone know where you are going and when you expect to be back.

‘With hot temperatures over the next few days, we know many people will be taking part in activities on the water or along the coast. Our advice is to:

· Check the tide times and read local hazard signage to understand local risks.

· When swimming, choose a lifeguarded beach and always swim between the red and yellow flags.

· If you get into difficulty in the water, remember: #FloatToLive. This simple skill can save your life.

· In an emergency, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.’

Ends

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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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