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AfloatDigi 2018 CHMarine SafetySection

Search & Rescue, Water Safety - News from the Marine Safety Agencies
Ireland Battens Down the Hatches for Hurricane Katia
Ireland has battened down the hatches because of fears Hurricane Katia would wreak widespread havoc with storm-force winds and giant waves. The Coast Guard has issued a weather alert warning people to stay away from cliff edges. Boaters are also…
Coast Guard Advises Caution in Severe Weather
The Irish Coast Guard has advised members of the public to take care in the current severe weather conditions, particularly around the coast and in exposed areas. Sea ActivitiesAvoid sea or water-based activities today if possible. Cliff WalkingThere is safety…
Lough Derg Lifeboat Rescues Three after Yacht Capsizes
Lough Derg RNLI Lifeboat assisted three persons after their yacht capsized and sank close to Hare Island on Lough Der. SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO. At 17.04hrs Saturday September 10, Lough Derg RNLI Lifeboat was requested to launch by Valentia Coast…
Kitesurfer Rescued off Liverpool
A kite surfer was rescued from the sea after getting into difficulty off New Brighton today. Liverpool Coastguard was contacted by Wirral Lifeguards who had been watching a kite surfer who had returned to sea to retrieve his lost kite…
Doolin May Soon Get New Coastguard Station
The Irish Examiner reports that the Doolin coastguard unit is set to get a new coastguard station. http://www.afloat.ie/safety/coastguard/ One of the busiest search and rescue units in the State, the Doolin unit of the Irish Coast Guard currently has to…
Is Your Lifejacket Safe? Free Test at Dun Laoghaire Marina this Sunday
Is your lifejacket safe? That's the question the RNLI is asking sailors this Sunday at Dun Laoghaire marina. And If last year's clinic's statistics is anything to go by then the answer is most likely no. Over 90% of lifejackets…
Two Rescued from Cruiser on Lough Derg
 Lough Derg RNLI lifeboat went to the assistance of two persons on board a 35ft cruiser that had run aground as it tried to assist another cruiser in distress yesterday. At 12.24hrs September 7 Lough Derg RNLI Lifeboat launched, following…
A Wedding Gift that Will Save Lives at Sea
Newly married couple Jackie and Peter Gracey have presented RNLI Bangor Branch with a cheque for £1403.86. Three weeks ago Mr and Mrs Gracey held a wedding party at the Ballholme Yacht Club and in lieu of wedding presents they…
Irish Coast Guard Reveals Spike in Incidents Involving Leisure Activities, Merchant Vessels
The Irish Coast Guard has released statistics revealing a busy summer period and a significant increase certain types of search and rescue incidents. http://www.afloat.ie/resources/organisations/irish-coast-guard/ Most notable is the increase in incidents involving leisure activities such as surfing, diving, and canoeing.…
Marine Notice: Hydrographic Survey off Dundalk
The latest Marine Notice from the DTTAS advises all seafarers near Dundalk Bay and Carlingford Lough to give a wide berth to the hydrographic and oceanographic survey operation in the area this month. The RV Celtic Voyager (callsign EIQN) will…
Lifeguarding in Ireland
It might be hard to believe it but there is plenty of work here in Ireland for the professional lifeguard, from working in a leisure centre swimming pool, to the beautiful beaches around the coast and a beach lifeguard is…
Beware of Tides on Busy UK Bank Holiday
The UK Coastguard is warning coastal visitors to check tide times after multiple incidents around the country where people have been cut off by the tide. Coastguard coordination centres have dealt with at least eight different incidents this afternoon involving…
25 Years of Saving Lives in Ballybunion
Ballybunion's Sea and Cliff Rescue Service celebrated its 25th anniversary with an open day at its headquarters last weekend, The Kerryman reports. http://www.afloat.ie/safety/rescue/ The day also saw the unveiling of a special plaque from Water Safety Ireland recognising the rescuers'…
Bundoran RNLI Lifeboat Assists in Unusual Call
Bundoran RNLI Lifeboat launched today to fallen power lines at the Erne River, Ballyshannon, Co. Donegal to provide on scene safety. The alarm was raised by the Coast Guard at 12:35. Power lines had been damaged on Inish Saimer at…
Families Disagree with MCIB Report on F/V Jennifer
The Irish Examiner reports that the families of two fisherman who drowned off Malin Head last November disagree with the findings of the official investigation into the tragedy. http://examiner.ie/ireland/families-disagree-with-drowning-probe-findings-164675.html Eddie Doherty, 65, and his nephew Robert McLaughlin, 41, died after…
RNLI Donaghadee and Bangor Lifeboats Launch to Rescue Five People
RNLI Donaghadee and Bangor Lifeboats launched at 9.55 pm on Thursday 18th August to rescue five people aboard two leisure fishing boats. Both vessels had experienced catastrophic engine failure close to the Salt Jetty which is on northern shores of…

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.