Wicklow RNLI involved in multi-agency rescue of two paddleboarders

The Irish Coast Guard helicopter Rescue 116 from Dublin, the National Ambulance Service and local Coast Guard units were also deployed.

The crew pagers sounded at 10.45am after the Coast Guard received reports of two paddleboarders in difficulty in the water at Magheramore.

The volunteer crew launched the inshore lifeboat Dennis-Audrey and the all-weather lifeboat RNLB Bridie O’Shea within 10 minutes. They arrived on scene 10 minutes later in slight seas and in a light southerly breeze.

Once on scene, the crew found that the two paddleboarders had managed to scramble up some rocks but were unable to move any further.

With Rescue 116 also on scene, the decision was made for the paddleboarders to be airlifted from the rocks back down onto the beach.

Both lifeboats remained on scene while this operation took place. Once the casualties were safely landed on the beach a joint operation between the Coast Guard and lifeboats began to remove the paddleboards from the area. This was deemed the safest action to avoid any members of the public trying to retrieve the boards and also to help avoid any further call outs should they be spotted by vigilant members of the public.

The boards were removed from the rocks by the inshore lifeboat crew with the assistance of the Coast Guard land based team and then transferred to the all-weather lifeboat.

The casualties were assessed medically and found to be ok apart from a couple of scratches.

Speaking after the call out, Connie O’Gara, Wicklow RNLI Deputy Lifeboat Press Officer said: ‘This was a great example of multi-agency working resulting in the successful rescue of two casualties. We wish both casualties well and would remind the public, if going on the water to please wear a suitable flotation device and to ensure you have a means of calling for help should you get into difficulty. In an emergency, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.’

Ends

RNLI Media Contact

For more information, contact Connie O'Gara, Wicklow RNLI Deputy Lifeboat Press Officer at [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, X, 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.