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AfloatDigi 2018 CHMarine SafetySection

Search & Rescue, Water Safety - News from the Marine Safety Agencies
Afloat.ie There is No Such Thing as Safe Ice
Irish Water Safety is warning the public about the danger of drowning as the forecasted spell of severe weather and frosts may well create some frozen ice over canals, rivers and lakes. Children are especially at risk as they are…
Afloat.ie: Round the World Slattery to Address Cork Lunch
Kinsale RNLI have announced Ocean Yachtsman & Bowman Justin Slattery from Wexford as guest speaker at the annual RNLI "Sailing by the Lee" lunch on Friday, 12th February, 2010 at the Maryborough Hotel, Douglas, Cork. This follows on from the…
Afloat.ie: 'He Would Still Be Here Today' - Podcast Targets Fishermen
The latest video Podcast produced by the UK's Maritime and Coastguard Agency features true life experiences from Jane Dolby from Essex, a widow who lost her husband to the sea, Tom Smith from Fife, a fisherman who survived his boat…
Afloat.ie: Angler Rescued From Sea
On the far side of the Irish Sea, Swansea Coastguard received a 999 call from a lady yesterday afternoon reporting that she had just witnessed her husband who was angling off rocks at Broadstrand near Ilfracombe being swept into the…
Afloat.ie: 9 Rowers Rescued after Boat Sinks
A Cox’n and 8 rowers from the UCC Rowing club were rescued today by Crosshaven Lifeboat at Lough Mahon in the upper Cork harbour area. While on exercise on today Crosshaven Lifeboat happened upon 9 people 'floundering in the water'.…
Afloat.ie: Surprise Visit of Stars Gleeson and Cheadle to Wicklow RNLI
Well-known actors Brendan Gleeson and Don Cheadle took time out of a busy filming schedule yesterday (Wednesday 2 December 2009) to drop in and say hello to Wicklow RNLI lifeboat volunteers and to get a tour of the lifeboat station.…
Afloat.ie: Turning Stormy Tonight
Met Eireann issued a Weather Warning this afternoon at 4pm. It is to turn stormy tonight with winds gusting 100 to 130km/h, with highest values in Northern areas. A Southwest gale to storm force winds tonight on all Irish Coastal…
Afloat.ie: Crew members safe after Lifeboat Capsize
Three RNLI volunteer lifeboat crewmembers are safe and well after the Wexford inshore lifeboat capsized yesterday (Sunday 22 November 2009) during a training exercise south of Ravens Point off the Wexford coast. Two crewmembers managed to stay in contact with…
Afloat.ie: Baltimore RNLI Lifeboat in Flood Rescue
The crew of Baltimore lifeboat went to support flood rescue efforts in Skibbereen last Thursday. The eight crewmen who made their way to Skibbereen that evening were Cathal Cottrell, Aidan Bushe, Youen Jacob, Ronan Calnan, Ronan Sheehy, John McDonagh, John…
Afloat.ie: Flood Warning Issued
The Chief Executive of Irish Water Safety, John Leech, has today warned about the increased risk to the public in our current flood conditions. Flood conditions expose the public to hazards they need to be aware of. Fast moving water…
Afloat.ie: High Rainfall Poses Risk to Boaters
Waterways Ireland has issued a reminder to skippers that following periods of prolonged rainfall that high flow rates, increased current speeds and water turbulence especially in the vicinity of bridges, weirs, locks, flood gates and other infrastructure will be hazardous…
RNLI and Kerry GAA Launch Reindeer Run
The RNLI has joined forces with Kerry GAA star Colm Cooper to officially launch a fun run with a difference – the RNLI Reindeer Run will take place on Sunday 29 November in the Killarney National Park and all funds…
Bravery Medal for Portrush Lifeboatman
Anthony Chambers, mechanic and crew member at Portush Lifeboat Station, Antrim, N. Ireland, is to be awarded the Royal National Lifeboat Institution’s (RNLI) Bronze Medal for Gallantry for rescuing two 14-year-old boys trapped by the rising tide in a cliff…
Castlemartyr Resort Presents Cheque to Ballycotton Lifeboat
Castlemartyr Resort has donated 700 Euro to Ballycotton Lifeboat from money raised at a local fair. The 5 Star hotel was invited to take part in the recent Midleton Food Fair. They served food to the adults and had a…
Lone Sailor Rescued in Irish Sea
At ten minutes past seven this morning, Swansea Coastguard received a call from a man out walking on the coast with his dog.  The man informed the Coastguard that he could see a yacht drifting out to sea, with torn…
Five Saved from Fishing Vessel Fire on Belfast Lough
Five people were rescued from the waters just outside Belfast harbour this afternoon after a fishing vessel caught fire. The vessel 'Amity' reported the fire on board the 'Bellatrix' after picking five people up from water. The crew of the ‘Amity’…

Every Year Ireland's Search & Rescue Services deliver emergency life saving work on our seas, lakes and rivers.

Ireland's Water Safety Agencies work hard to provide us with the information we need to keep safe, while enjoying all manner of water based activities.

There's no better fun than getting out on the water but being afloat is a responsibility we all need to take seriously.

These pages detail the work of the rescue agencies. We also aim to promote safety standards among pleasure boaters, and by doing so, prevent, as far as possible, the loss of life at sea and on inland waters. If you have ideas for our pages we'd love to hear from you. Please email us at [email protected]

Think Before You Sink - Wear a Lifejacket

Accidents can happen fast on water and there may not be time to reach for a lifejacket in an emergency therefore don't just carry a lifejacket - wear it; if it's not on you, it can't save your life.

Irish Water Safety's Safe Boating Alert:

Check condition of boat and equipment, hull, engine, fuel, tools, torch.

Check the weather forecast for the area.

Check locally concerning dangerous currents and strong tides.

Do not drink alcohol while setting out or during your trip.

Carry an alternative means of propulsion e.g. sails and oars or motor and oars.

Carry a first aid kit on board and distress signals (at least two parachute distress rockets, two red hand flares).

Carry a fire extinguisher, a hand bailer or bucket with lanyard and an anchor with rope attached.

Carry marine radio or some means of communication with shore.

Do not overload the boat - this will make it unstable.

Do not set out unless accompanied by an experienced person.

Leave details of your planned trip with someone ashore - including departure and arrival times, description of boat, names of persons on board, etc.

Wear a Lifejacket at all times.

Keep an eye on the weather - seek shelter in good time.

In Marine Emergencies, call 999 or 112 and ask for Marine Rescue.

Lifejackets Checklist

Ensure Cartridges have not been punctured and are secured firmly.

Ensure all zips, buckles, fasteners and webbing straps are functioning correctly and adjusted to fit the user.

Check that fitted lights are operating correctly.

Ensure that Automatic Inflation devices are fully serviced and in date.

Check that the valve or lifejacket is not leaking.