Courtown RNLI’s volunteer lifeboat crew were tasked twice in the same day this week to people who got into difficulties on inflatables.
A concerned member of the public spotted two people who appeared to be in difficulty off Morriscastle beach and called to alert the Irish Coast Guard on Tuesday (5 August).
Courtown’s inshore lifeboat Frank launched with a volunteer crew at 3.54pm in calm weather conditions but were stood down while on route, as the people had managed to safely return to shore on their own.
Later that same day, as the lifeboat crew were preparing for a training exercise, a member of the public spotted an inflatable with two people on board who appeared to be in difficulty off Courtown beach.
The inshore lifeboat launched at 7.10pm and was quickly on scene to escort the two tourists and their inflatable to shore.
Courtown RNLI lifeboat helm Brian McEvoy said: “You have to be very careful with inflatables in offshore winds; you can be blown out to sea much more quickly than you think.
“Always call 112/999 and ask for the coastguard if you think somebody is in trouble. Getting to someone in difficulties quickly makes all the difference.”
