RNLI warn ‘busiest weekend of year' for water rescues following two incidents in Dublin within 24 hours
THE RNLI has issued an urgent warning for swimmers as temperatures begin to rise this weekend - following two rescue incidents in Dublin within 24 hours.
The crew warned this time last year was their 'busiest day of the year' with the most lifeboat launches and rescues.
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The RNLI had two incidents in Dublin this week within 24 hours
Credit: RNLI/Nathan Williams
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The rescue crew have issued an urgent warning
Credit: RNLI/Gerry Canning
As the mercury heats up to a scorching 26C this weekend, many are expected to hit the water for a dip this weekend.
Skerries RNLI were tasked twice in 24 hours this week with rescues.
Skerries RNLI, Gerry Canning said: 'It's been an exceptionally busy week for our volunteers, as they had already been on the water a few times this week with five of our volunteers successfully completing the next level of their training plans.
'It just shows the dedication of our volunteers that they are still ready to respond 24 hours a day, seven days a week.'
On Wednesday, Dublin Coast Guard received 'multiple 999 calls' reporting that two people had been spotted attempting to swim back to shore from Shenick island in Skerries.
The volunteers launched their Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat 'Louis Simson' and navigated around the headland at Red Island before proceeding directly to the island.
A spokesperson for the RNLI said: 'The lifeboat made its way as close to the sand bar that joins the island to the mainland as possible.
'However, there was no sign of any persons on the shore. Dublin Coast Guard contacted one of the original 999 callers, who confirmed that the persons were still on the island but had left the shoreline.
'Two volunteers from the lifeboat were put ashore on the island to investigate.
'They made their way up to the Martello tower. One of the volunteers climbed into the entrance of the tower, where they located the two persons.
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'It transpired that they had kayaked out to the island and were planning on staying the evening.
'They confirmed that they had everything they needed for the night, including a means of calling for assistance if needed.'
Volunteers in Skerries on Thursday morning were called into action again following a distress call to Dublin Coast Guard.
A rigid inflatable boat that had suffered engine failure near the entrance to Rogerstown estuary.
A spokesperson for the RNLI said: 'The lifeboat navigated through the islands in Skerries and set a safe course directly for the entrance to the estuary.
'As they were approaching the estuary, they quickly spotted the vessel, with two men and two women on board.
'It was confirmed that everyone on board was safe and well, however their boat had suffered a mechanical failure and were unable to make their way ashore.'
The casualties were towed back to safety to their launching point in Rogerstown.
SHOCK STATS
RNLI lifeboats launched 105 times, helping 244 people, while RNLI lifeguards aided 984 people after responding to 632 incidents on August 11 last year.
This meant that in total, the RNLI assisted 1,228 people on one day.
RNLI Water Safety Manager, Sam Johnson, said: 'The second weekend of August last year saw the RNLI's busiest day of the year and we're expecting another busy weekend.
"We urge everybody planning a trip to the coast to visit a lifeguarded beach, to swim between the red and yellow flags and remember to Float to Live if you get into difficulty in the water.
'Tilt your head back, with your ears submerged. Relax and try to breathe normally.
'Move your hands and legs to help you stay afloat if you need to. It's fine if your legs sink – we all float differently.
'By doing this, you give yourself the chance to rest and recover your breathing.
'Once you've regained control of your breathing, you can call for help or swim to safety.'
The RNLI is urging people to take these precautions: Visit a lifeguarded beach where possible and swim between the red and yellow flags.
If you find yourself in difficulty in the water or see someone that is, remember to Float to Live.
In an emergency, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
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