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AfloatDigi 2018 CHMarine SafetySection

Search & Rescue, Water Safety - News from the Marine Safety Agencies
Vessel Aground at Llanddulas
At 8.15 last night Liverpool Coastguard received a distress call from the cargo ship 'Carrier' telling them they had run aground at Raynes Jetty, Llanddulas. A strong gale was blowing and a five metre swell was reported. Because of the…
Dinghy Sailors Rescued on Lough Derg
Lough Derg RNLI Lifeboat assisted 3 persons in difficulties off Garrykennedy, winds NW F 6, April 3 2012 At lunch time yesterday Lough Derg RNLI Lifeboat launched to assist three persons in difficulty in their 14ft sailing dinghy off Garrykennedy.…
High Tides increase Easter Drowning Risk Warns Safety Body
Thousands of people will enjoy Easter bank holiday breaks on or close to waterways that pose a danger if safety is not heeded especially as there will be a Full Moon and some of the highest tides of the year.…
Coastguard Reminds Divers to Stop
After two divers suffered decompression sickness this weekend following rapid ascents, HM Coastguard have reminded all divers of the importance of regular stops as they come to the surface. In the first incident Milford Haven Coastguard received a 999 call…
Eight Rescued From Speedboat
Bangor lifeboat crew received a request from Belfast Coastguard to launch on Saturday afternoon and rescue eight people onboard a 21ft speed boat which had struck rocks close to the seaside town of Millisle. Within minutes of the rescue pagers…
Safety on the Water Urged During Heatwave
Irish Water Safety has stressed the importance of vigilance and caution to avoid drowning tragedies during our current heat wave. Many people nationwide are enjoying trips to waterways nationwide however further tragedies are always a danger with water temperatures still…
This Friday Last Day for 2012 Fingal Lifeguard Applicants
#WATER SAFETY - This coming Friday 30 March is the closing date for applications for Fingal County Council beach lifeguards for the 2012 summer season. Lifeguard cover will be provided on Fingal beaches on weekdays and weekends 11am to 7pm…
Lack of Lifejackets A Factor in Skerries Lobstermen's Deaths - MCIB
#MCIB - The families of two fishermen found dead at sea off the Skerries last April may never uncover the circumstances that led to their demise. But the official report into the incident indicated that the absence of lifejackets was…
'Hilda Jarrett' Lifeboat Launches for the Last Time in Baltimore
#LIFEBOAT – After 24 years of service the old Baltimore Tyne class Lifeboat 'Hilda Jarrett' was launched from its West Cork Lifeboat station for the final time on March 18th. The launch was also the last ever launch of an…
Coastguard Helicopter Gets State-Of-The-Art Imaging Systems
#COASTGUARD - Canada's L-3 Wescam has announced it will be providing electro-optical and infrared imaging systems for the Irish Coast Guard's revamped search and rescue helicopter fleet, starting with the new Sikorsky S-92 based at Shannon. “This order pairs the…
Angler Dies After Lough Corrib Incident
#RESCUE - One angler has died in hospital and another was receiving emergency treatment last night after their boat got into difficulty on Lough Corrib. According to The Irish Times, the two men were among a party of three on…
Unified EU Coastguard On The Cards
#COASTGUARD - Greater co-operation between Europe's coastguard organisations is inevitable, according to the Irish Coast Guard director. Chris Reynolds was speaking at Search and Rescue 2012, the EU Heads of Coastguard conference in Dublin last Thursday, at which he outlined…
St. Patrick's Day Dalkey Island Snorkel Raises Funds for RNLI
#DALKEY ISLAND SNORKEL - More than 100 participants took part in the St. Patrick's Day Dalkey Island snorkel fundraiser event in aid of the RNLI, where the local Dun Laoghaire lifeboat RNLB Anna Livia was hove to off Coliemore Harbour,…
Lifeboat Launches Lobsters and Lettuce Festival
#LIFEBOATS – Crew members of Bundoran RNLI Lifeboat were on hand recently to help launch the newly established Bundoran Lobsters and Lettuce Festival which will take place this July. Volunteer crew members Brian Faulkner and Daimon Fergus kept the live…
Safety Body Urges Use of Lifejackets
#DROWNINGS – On average three people drown every week in Ireland* and with St. Patrick's Day festivities approaching, Irish Water Safety is appealing to all members of the public to ensure that they wear a well maintained and correctly fitting…
Thieves Take Engines from Volunteer Rescue Unit
#RESCUE - The Killaloe/Ballina Search and Recovery Unit in Co Clare has been left reeling after the engines powering its specialist dive boat were stolen recently. According to the Irish Examiner, the 18-strong volunteer search team were "gutted" when they…

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.