The Galwat RNLI lifeboat came to the rescue of two people who found themselves stranded by the rising tide on Satuday afternoon.
Galway RNLI’s volunteer crew were requested to launch by the Irish Coast Guard yesterday afternoon to rescue two walkers on Hare Island who had been cut off from the shore by the incoming tide.
The request to launch came shortly before 3pm, and the 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.”
He added that, “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.”
The RNLI’s advice for people out on the water or at the coast 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
