Clifden RNLI’s volunteer crew were called out at the weekend following reports of three teenage kayakers having drifted from the shore in Ballinakill Bay, near Letterfrack in Connemara.
The Shannon class all-weather lifeboat was launched at 4.20pm on Saturday afternoon (19 March) amid good weather conditions, clear and sunny but with a strong off-shore wind.
While the lifeboat crew were making their way to the scene, local fishermen from Mannin Bay Salmon Farm who operate in the bay came to the assistance of the young kayakers and brought all three safely ashore.
The casualties were assessed by paramedics on shore and found to be well.
Clifden RNLI coxswain James Mullen said: “It may sound obvious but it’s worth reminding kayakers that a strong off-shore wind can blow you out to sea very quickly.
“For people using kayaks, paddle boards, basically anything that floats: once you leave the shore and the protection of the bay, you can quickly become powerless against a strengthening wind. A strong off-shore wind, coupled with an outgoing tide, is always a risk for paddlers.
“We would advise anyone enjoying watersports to always wear a life vest and appropriate clothes for the weather conditions, for example a wetsuit or layered clothing.
“Carry a mobile phone in a waterproof pouch on your person, check the tides and the weather and tell someone where you are going and when you’ll be back.”
Clifden RNLI’s crew on this callout were coxswain James Mullen, Joe Acton, Daniel Whelan, Aisling Sweeney and Connor Ryan. Shane Conneely was the launch vehicle driver.