Lough Derg RNLI assist Valentia Coast Guard as swimmer reported to be in distress
A member of the public on-shore saw the swimmer was struggling through binoculars
Earlier today, Saturday June 8, Valentia Coast Guard requested Lough Derg RNLI lifeboat to launch to locate and assist a swimmer reported to be in difficulty by a member of the public on shore.
It was reported that the person could see the swimmer’s yellow buoyancy aid and through binoculars perceived
that the swimmer was struggling.
The location given was in Youghal Bay, east of Garrykennedy Harbour and at 12.52pm Lough Derg RNLI lifeboat Jean Spier launched with helm Eleanor Hooker, crew James Corballis, Chris Parker and Joe O’Donoghue on board.
The lifeboat carried additional casualty blankets on board, and during the briefing as the lifeboat launched, volunteers prepared their casualty care cards.
At 12.58pm, as the lifeboat rounded the Mountaineer, navigation mark C, Valentia Coast Guard communicated that the swimmer had been located and was back on shore and the lifeboat could stand down.
The lifeboat arrived back at station at 1.02pm.
Aoife Kennedy, Launching Authority at Lough Derg RNLI, advises swimmers to "swim safe, if you get in trouble in the water – float to live. Lean back, extend your arms and legs and control your breathing. Before setting out, make sure someone knows where you are and carry a mobile phone in a waterproof pouch."