#RNLI - Skerries RNLI launched on Saturday evening (24 May) to reports of a kitesurfer in distress near Shenick Island off the south strand in Skerries.
The volunteer crew launched their Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat Louis Simson shortly after 5.30pm. The lifeboat was helmed by Conor Walsh with crew members Eoin Grimes, Stephen Crowley and Adam Scott also on board.
Dublin Coast Guard requested the lifeboat to launch after a member of public raised the alarm that a kitesurfer was struggling to get back to shore.
The lifeboat launched into a Force 4 north-easterly wind and choppy seas before proceeding directly to Shenick Island to investigate. Skerries Coast Guard and the Irish Coast Guard's search and rescue helicopter Rescue 116 were also tasked to the incident.
Arriving on scene, the lifeboat could see a kitesurfer standing in shallow water making their way toward the beach. Skerries Coast Guard were waiting on shore and were able to confirm that no further assistance was required. The lifeboat was stood down and returned to station.
Speaking after the call-out, Skerries RNLI volunteer lifeboat press officer Gerry Canning said: "In this particular case, the kitesurfer was able to make it ashore safely. However, we would still like to remind everyone that if you see someone in difficulty at sea to dial 999 and ask for the coastguard."