Wicklow RNLI volunteers launched both the inshore and all-weather lifeboats on Sunday morning (1 November) following reports of two swimmers in difficulty at Blainroe, south of Wicklow Head.
The Irish Coast Guard helicopter Rescue 116 from Dublin, the National Ambulance Service and local Coast Guard shore units were also deployed.
The inshore lifeboat Dennis-Audrey, under the command of helm Mark Kavanagh, with volunteer crew members Stephen Corcoran and Lorcan Hickey, was first to arrive off Blainroe at 10.12am.
Conditions on scene were north-westerly winds of Force 4, a slight swell and good visibility. The all-weather lifeboat arrived shortly afterwards and stood by while the inshore crew went ashore.
The two swimmers had entered the water earlier for a morning swim at Blainroe. A short time later, one got into difficulty. The other managed to swim ashore and raise the alarm.
Meanwhile, another person carrying a buoyancy aid entered the water to assist the swimmer in difficulty.
As the inshore lifeboat approached the beach, its crew found the two people making their way back to shore.
The lifeboat crew carried out casualty care assessments on both people at the beach. A stretcher was transferred from the all-weather lifeboat for the swimmer who had been in difficulty.
The casualty was transferred to Rescue 116, which had landed on a nearby golf course, and airlifted to hospital.
The person who had entered the water to assist the swimmer was handed into the care of the National Ambulance Service and brought to hospital.
Both lifeboats returned to Wicklow Harbour at 11.35am.
Speaking after the call-out, Wicklow RNLI Launch Authority Adrian O’Connor said:
“We wish both people a speedy recovery after their ordeal, thankfully the quick action of the person with the buoyancy aid ensured a positive outcome.
“This was also the first shout for Stephen Corcoran and Lorcan Hickey, two of our newest volunteer crew members who got the opportunity to put their training into practice.
“We are proud of how they handled a challenging first call-out, gaining valuable experience alongside the rest of the crew today.”
Wicklow RNLI reminded the public to wear a suitable flotation device when going on the water and to ensure they have a means of calling for help.
In an emergency, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.
Earlier this year, Wicklow RNLI also assisted in a multi-agency response to a swimming incident at Magheramore Beach.
