Youghal RNLI responded to a distress call from local lifeguards on Wednesday, July 10, at 5:16 pm, regarding three paddleboarders in difficulty approximately 500m off Youghal front strand beach. The weather conditions were described as choppy with a strong north-westerly breeze.
Helm Jack Nolan and crew members Liam Keogh, Joe O'Connor, and Noel Joyce launched the inshore lifeboat and arrived at the scene within 10 minutes. Upon arrival, the crew found one male in the water holding onto a paddleboard with two younger males sitting on top. Additionally, two lifeguards on surfboards were also present with the casualties.
The volunteer crew brought the three casualties and the two lifeguards onboard the lifeboat and headed towards the shore, where they dropped off the lifeguards and the older male. They then proceeded to Youghal lifeboat station, where the other two males were handed over to the National Ambulance Service for treatment.
John Innes, Youghal RNLI Launch Authority, emphasised the importance of being fully prepared for water activities, especially as the weather becomes warmer. He expressed gratitude to all the agencies involved in the rescue and urged people to call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard in case of difficulty or to report others in trouble.