Bundoran RNLI rescued a swimmer who got into difficulty in challenging sea conditions off Main Beach on Wednesday evening, 19 August. The Irish Coast Guard requested the volunteer lifeboat crew to launch at 4.42 pm after a member of the public heard someone shouting and spotted a swimmer in difficulty.
The inshore lifeboat, helmed by Rory O’Connor with crew members Richard Gillespie and David Clancy onboard, launched immediately and made the short journey to the scene.
A beach lifeguard also responded, while the Irish Coast Guard’s Rescue 118 helicopter was tasked from Sligo.
Swimmer struggling in breaking swell
While weather conditions were good, the RNLI said sea conditions were challenging, with a two-metre swell and breaking waves off Main Beach.
On arrival, the lifeboat crew spotted the swimmer, who was wearing a wetsuit, attempting to swim on their back but struggling in the conditions. Working between the breaking swells, the volunteers managed to reach the casualty, bring them aboard the lifeboat and return safely to the pier.
An ambulance was requested because of concerns that the swimmer may have taken in water. The casualty was subsequently transferred to hospital as a precaution.
Once the swimmer was safely ashore, the lifeboat returned to the water to collect the responding lifeguard and bring them back to shore.
Public praised for raising alarm
Bundoran RNLI Helm Rory O’Connor praised the member of the public whose actions triggered the multi-agency response.
“We would like to wish the casualty well following their experience yesterday,” O’Connor said. “While prepared by wearing a wetsuit, the conditions off Main Beach caught them out, and they got into trouble in the breaking line of the swell.”
He also thanked the beach lifeguard, Rescue 118 and ambulance crews involved in the response.
RNLI issues swimming safety advice
Following the rescue, Bundoran RNLI urged anyone planning to enter the water to check conditions beforehand and seek local knowledge about hazards.
Swimmers are advised not to swim alone, to wear a brightly coloured swimming cap, use a tow float and carry a fully charged mobile phone in a waterproof pouch. The RNLI also reiterated its Float to Live advice for anyone who unexpectedly finds themselves struggling in the water.
O’Connor said the natural reaction can be to panic or attempt to swim hard, but people should instead try to float by tilting their head back, submerging their ears and concentrating on breathing normally.
“By doing this, you give yourself the chance to rest and recover your breathing,” he said. “Once you’ve regained control of your breathing, you can call for help or swim to safety.”
