#Lifeguards - As RNLI lifeguards prepare to bring the 2015 season to a close this weekend in Northern Ireland, the charity that saves lives at sea has appealed to anyone planning a trip to the beach during the autumn and winter months to keep safe.

The season will draw to an end this Sunday 27 September, and RNLI lifeguard manager Mike Grocott is keen to remind anyone going to the beach post season to be aware that the lifeguards won’t be on patrol but that the same beach safety advice applies.

"While we can expect our beaches to be generally quieter in the coming months, there will be people using the water for activities such as surfing and kitesurfing.

"In the absence of RNLI lifeguards during this period, we would encourage anyone going to the beach to check weather and tide times, let someone know when you are due back, and carry a means of communication.

"If you see someone in trouble, please call 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard. People can also get advice at their local RNLI lifeboat station."

During the 2015 season there was RNLI lifeguard cover on 10 beaches on the Causeway Coast and in Co Down: Benone, Downhill, Castlerock, Portstewart Strand, Portrush West, Portrush East, Whiterocks, Tyrella, Murlough and Cranfield.

Five of the busier beaches were patrolled during the Easter period and at weekends from then till the middle of June before the full time season commenced on all 10 beaches running to 6 September. Lifeguards have maintained a presence at the busier beaches at weekends during September and will finish on Sunday evening.

Reflecting on the season, Grocott said the lifeguards had dealt with a variety of incidents. "Despite the weather being unkind for most of the summer, we did see a lot of visitors to our beaches and RNLI lifeguards dealt with a range of things including rescues and major first aids involving body boarders, paddle boarders and kite surfers.

"They also responded to people who got into difficulty on the beach itself including a teenager who collapsed and a man who was struggling to breathe in his car.

"There were a number of unusual incidents to deal with this summer too, including responding to a sand dune fire, red flagging beaches in a severe thunder and lightning storm and dealing with the discovery of mortar bombs. Our lifeguards are highly skilled and trained and thanks to that they knew how to handle such incidents professionally when they occurred."

The lifeguards also provided safety cover and engaged with the public at key events during the summer including the Portrush Raft Race, the Tall Ships in Belfast, the Portrush Airshow, and the Glens of Antrim triathlon.

"We worked closely with our lifeboat crews at Portrush, Newcastle, Kilkeel and Red Bay, too, to respond to incidents and provide safety cover when required."

RNLI lifeguards also delivered education programmes to primary school children across Northern Ireland. Programmes such as Hit the Surf enabled the lifeguards to impart important beach safety advice through theoretic and practical lessons in lifesaving and surf-based skills, local hazards and the beach environment.

#RNLI - Wicklow RNLI's all-weather lifeboat slipped her moorings shortly before midday yesterday (Tuesday 22 September) to assist a fishing vessel with mechanical problems about nine miles offshore.

The fishing vessel with four crew lost propulsion and was unable to make any headway due to problems with the propeller. The skipper contacted the Irish Coast Guard by marine VHF radio for assistance.

Under the command of coxswain Nick Keogh, the lifeboat was alongside the drifting vessel at 12.30pm. Conditions on scene were described as having a northerly Force 4 wind with a moderate sea state.

A towline was quickly established and the trawler was towed back to Wicklow Port. The lifeboat crew secured the fishing vessel safely alongside the South Quay before 2pm.

The crew on the callout were Keogh, mechanic Brendan Copeland, Tommy McAulay, Tommy Murphy, Carol Flahive, John Vize and Dean Mulvihill.

Volunteers, supporters and friends of Larne RNLI gathered this weekend at the East Antrim Boat Club to attend the official Naming Ceremony and Service of Dedication for the lifeboat station’s new D-class lifeboat Terry. The new inshore lifeboat was provided through the Pistol Benefit Fund, which was set up in memory of Frederick (Fred) and Theresa (Terry) Pistol and named Terry in memory of Fred’s beloved wife Theresa.

The Pistol Benefit Fund has its origins in Frederick Pistol’s incredible life. Fred came to the UK from Austria, as a 19-year old refugee fleeing the Holocaust. He arrived with nothing more than the clothes on his back and worked as a fitter until the Second World War started. He joined the army, eventually becoming a Major and returned to England in 1946 after serving abroad. He married Theresa (Terry) a concert pianist born in Westcliff-on-Sea and discovered a passion for sailing, one that has been passed down through the family. Every boat Fred bought was named Terry after his wife and Larne RNLI’s new D-class lifeboat now proudly bears the name.

Attending the ceremony were members of the Pistol family, who have supported the work of the RNLI for many years. Fred and Theresa’s son Neil and his wife Viveca were special guests along with their two sons, Ben and Josh and their friend Simon Perlmutter. Their daughter Gabriella was unable to attend as she is currently travelling but she was being kept up to date with the proceedings by her brothers. Close friends of the couple, Alan and Shirley Shalet, also made the journey on what would have been Fred’s birthday.

Allan Dorman, Larne RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager, who accepted the lifeboat into the care of the station said; ‘Every naming ceremony for a new lifeboat is a special occasion and this is no exception, as we honour the Pistol family and their generous life-saving gift to the Institution and the people of Larne. We will remember Frederick and Theresa through the work of this lifeboat and the volunteer crew and we will be the proud custodians of it for many years to come.’

Speaking during the ceremony Neil Pistol said, ‘Thank you for honouring my family and allowing me this privilege. Thank you to the RNLI for being there. Thank you for going out into conditions when others are safe in harbour. Thank you for risking your lives to save others. You, all the members of the RNLI, make a difference. You do not discriminate; you solely take action to save others.

Neil also expressed his pleasure on learning, during an earlier tour of the lifeboat station, that the name of the RNLI rescue mannequin, lifeboat crew use during training, is named Fred. He concluded his speech by acknowledging this, to the delight of the crowd;

‘It will bring us all great pleasure to know that in real life as in previous real-life, Terry will continue to rescue Fred, during the station’s regular training sessions. In the end we make our own destiny. Good luck and Godspeed to all the Larne crew. It gives me great pleasure to hand this lifeboat into the care of the RNLI.’

The D-class lifeboat remains the workhorse of the RNLI as it has for nearly 50 years. Built at a cost of £48,000, the inflatable craft is highly manoeuvrable and specifically suited to surf, shallow water and confined locations – often working close to cliffs, among rocks or even in caves. Importantly it can also be righted manually by the crew in the event of capsize.

It is the smallest class in the RNLI lifeboat fleet but its impact on search and rescue has been huge. The D class carries out some of the most difficult and dangerous rescues lifeboat crews have faced.

The platform party at the service were Mr. Tommy Hutcheson, retired Deputy Launching Authority for Larne RNLI who welcomed guests and opened proceedings; Mr Neil Pistol, who presented the RNLI with the new lifeboat, Christopher Brooke, RNLI Irish Council member who accepted the lifeboat on behalf of the RNLI and handed her into the care of the station; Mr. Allan Dorman, Larne RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager, who accepted the lifeboat on behalf of the station; Darren Byers RNLI Divisional Operations Manager for Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man who spoke on the capabilities of the new lifeboat and Ms Karen Black, one of the founding crew members of Larne RNLI who recently retired and who officially named the lifeboat.

The Very Reverend Aidan Kerr, the Venerable Stephen Forde, Reverend Tommy Stevenson and Reverend Doctor Colin McClure lead the Service of Dedication with specially chosen hymns and readings. Music was provided by
Magheramourne Silver Band.

Last year Larne RNLI celebrated 20 years of lifesaving during which time the volunteer lifeboat crew launched 411 times, saving 31 lives and rescuing 326 people. Larne RNLI operates both a D-class inshore lifeboat and a Trent class all-weather lifeboat.

Achill Island RNLI crew joined in the celebrations as long serving crew member Alan Gielty wed wife Maeve Clancy last weekend.

The crew kitted out in full lifeboat gear outside St Kevin’s Church in Wicklow to give Alan who has been on the lifeboat crew for 15 years, and his new wife Maeve, a special guard of honour.

Alan met Maeve in the local Clew Bay Pub and Restaurant which he owns and runs on Achill Island.

The couple were married in Maeve’s home village of Hollywood and guests gathered afterwards in the Mount Wolseley Hotel in Carlow for the wedding reception.

One of the day’s highlights was an epic best man’s speech which was delivered in song with the mandolin for accompaniment, by Alan’s brother Diarmuid.

During the eight minute long tribute which had guests roaring with laughter, Alan’s dedication to Achill Island RNLI got a mention: ‘There’s still an old flame in Alan’s heart so true. And when he gets the call poor Maeve you know he’ll leave you. Regardless of what you are doing he’ll drop tools and leave you be, and hop out on the lifeboat to save someone at sea.’

On behalf of Achill Island RNLI, Lifeboat Operations Manager Tom Honeyman said: ‘Alan joined the crew here in Achill in 2002 and has been a dedicated member at our lifeboat station ever since. He is a qualified crew member, first-aider, and navigator and is also a trainee Coxswain. We are delighted that he has found happiness with Maeve and we wish them the very best for their future.’

#RNLI - Skerries RNLI responded to reports of a car submerged on Gormanston beach yesterday afternoon (17 September) following an emergency call to the coastguard.

Shortly before 2.30pm, Skerries RNLI were tasked by Dublin Coast Guard to investigate a submerged car on Gormanston beach after they received a 999 call from a concerned member of the public.

The lifeboat – with Joe May at the Helm and crewed by AJ Hughes, Laura Boylan and Ian Guildea – launched and made their way directly to Gormanston Beach. Conditions at the time were relatively calm with Force 3 westerly winds.

After arriving on scene, the crew located the car and were able to confirm that it was unoccupied.

As a precaution, Irish Coast Guard helicopter Rescue 116 carried out a sweeping search of the coastline while the lifeboat carried out a search of the immediate area. Skerries Coast Guard unit also conducted a search of the shoreline.

Nothing was found and Gardaí later confirmed that the car had been reported as abandoned.

Speaking after the callout, Skerries RNLI lifeboat press officer Gerry Canning said: "This was a positive outcome as it turned out nobody was in danger. The member of the public did the right thing by dialling 999 and asking for the coastguard."

#RNLI - Clifden RNLI launched to an emergency medical situation at 12.50pm yesterday (Thursday 17 September) in Clifden Bay.

A male angler had become unwell and as a result sustained a head injury, leaving him in need of urgent assistance.

The Irish Coast Guard requested the immediate launch of both Clifden RNLI’s Atlantic 85 and all-weather lifeboats.

Clifden RNLI volunteer crew members Kenneth Flaherty and Barry Ward boarded the angling boat and administered first aid to the casualty. Oxygen was administered and the casualty was placed in the recovery position.

Lifeboat helm Thomas Davis then requested two more crew members from the all-weather lifeboat, which was standing nearby, to assist in the transfer of the casualty to a stretcher.

Speaking after the callout, Clifden RNLI helm Thomas Davis said: "The lifeboat crew responded quickly and calmly to this situation, in which the casualty was seriously unwell.

"Having the additional crew members nearby in the second lifeboat was vital and the total time between the pagers going off and recovery to shore was around 38 minutes."

The casualty and another angler were transferred to shore where an ambulance was waiting. At this point the coastguard helicopter Rescue 118 had also landed and with the assistance of Cleggan Coast Guard, he was transferred to University College Hospital Galway.

Clifden RNLI lifeboat operations manager John Brittain added: "Well done to the Clifden volunteer crew members for a seamless rescue and for once again working well in conjunction with the coastguard and other emergency services."

Both Ballyglass RNLI all-weather and inshore lifeboats are involved in the continued search for the missing Mayo fisherman. The volunteer lifeboat crews at Ballyglass have launched every day since the young fisherman was reported missing last Friday (11 September) and are taking part in an extensive multi-agency search. They are co-ordinating the sea search, involving a large number of vessels.

Ballyglass RNLI launched again this morning shortly after 9am and commenced searching off Erris Head and around Broadhaven Bay. Conditions have been described as good.

Commenting on the continued search Ballyglass RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager Padraic Sheeran said, ‘ There is an incredible community effort involved in the search and we have seen our entire volunteer lifeboat crew take part in it along with our colleagues in the Coast Guard, the Civil Defence, the Gardaí, the Order of Malta and local diving clubs and boats.

Our thoughts are very much with the family and friends of the young man at this time.’

Lough Derg RNLI Lifeboat launched yesterday evening  to assist five people, on board a 40–ft cruiser hard aground, east of Illaunmor on Lough Derg

At 7.25pm, September 16, Lough Derg RNLI Lifeboat launched following a request from Valentia Coast Guard to assist 5 people on board a 40ft cruiser that had grounded on a rocky shelf, east of Illaunmor. Winds were westerly, Force 2/3 gusting, visibility was very good but with nightfall imminent.

At 7.38pm, the lifeboat launched with helm Eleanor Hooker, Robbie Garland and Dom Sharkey on board. The lifeboat located the cruiser at 7.43pm, behind Illaunmor and in an area with many rocky shoals. The five people on board were safe and unharmed, and all wearing their lifejackets. Mr. Tierney, from Illaunmor, an experienced boatman, had launched his lakeboat and was on standby when the lifeboat arrived on scene.

The lifeboat transferred a crew member across who checked that the boat was not holed. The cruiser was found to be hard aground, and after two attempts to get the cruiser off the rocks were unproductive, the five persons on board were transferred to Mr. Tierney's lake boat to reduce the weight on the cruiser. The cruiser was then taken off the shoal and out to safe water. Following another thorough check of drives and propellors, the five crew were returned to their boat and Mr. Tierney returned to the island.

With an RNLI crew member remaining on board, the lifeboat accompanied the cruiser to Dromineer, where it was safely tied up alongside in the public harbour at 9.20pm. As the hour was late and none of the five people on board had had supper, the lifeboat had radioed ahead and the Whiskey Still public house in Dromineer village, kept their kitchen open to provide an evening meal for the five on board.

Peter Kennedy, Deputy Launching Authority for Lough Derg RNLI, advises boat users to ‘enjoy boating on the lake, and to be sure to study your charts and plan your passage before departure'.

The Lifeboat returned to station and was ready for service again at 9.45pm.

#RNLI - The Pistol Benefit Fund, set up in memory of Frederick (Fred) and Theresa (Terry) Pistol, has funded the new Larne RNLI D-class lifeboat, which will be named in an official ceremony at the East Antrim Boat Club this Saturday 19 September at 2.30pm.

All are welcome on the day for the decication of the lifeboat, which is to be named Terry in memory of Fred Pistol’s beloved wife Theresa.

The Pistol Benefit Fund has its origins in Frederick Pistol’s incredible life story. Fred arrived in the UK as a 19-year-old refugee fleeing the Holocaust in Austria, with nothing more than the clothes on his back, and worked as a fitter until the Second World War started.

He joined the army, eventually becoming a major, and returned to England in 1946 after serving abroad. He married Theresa, a pianist born in Westcliff-on-Sea, and discovered a passion for sailing, one that has been passed down through the family.

Every boat Fred bought was named Terry after his wife, and Larne RNLI’s new D-class lifeboat will also proudly bear the name.

The Pistol family has supported the work of the RNLI for many years, and Fred and Theresa’s son Neil will attend the naming ceremony in Larne along with his wife Viveca and two of their three children, Benjamin and Joshua.

Other close friends will also be travelling to Larne for the special occasion, which, in a happy coincidence, is being held on the date of Fred’s birthday, something which has delighted the family.

The D-class lifeboat remains the workhorse of the RNLI as it has for nearly 50 years. The inflatable craft is highly manoeuvrable and specifically suited to surf, shallow water and confined locations – often working close to cliffs, among rocks or even in caves. Importantly it can also be righted manually by the crew in the event of capsize.

Equipment includes fitted and hand-held VHF radio, night vision equipment and first aid, including oxygen. It has a maximum speed of 25 knots and can carry three crew members and five survivors.

Allan Dorman, Larne RNLI lifeboat operations manager, said: "We are grateful to the Pistol Benefit Fund for the generous gift which has funded our new lifeboat and we look forward to welcoming Neil and his family, along with friends of the Pistols to Larne.

"The funding that made our new lifeboat possible has come through a wonderful couple with an incredible history. We in Larne RNLI will remember Frederick and Theresa through the work of the lifeboat and the volunteer crew and we will be the proud custodians of it for many years to come."

#RNLI - Wicklow's all-weather lifeboat slipped her moorings at 11.42am yesterday morning (Sunday 13 September) to assist a broken-down fishing boat off Wicklow Harbour.

The fishing vessel, on passage north out of Arklow, sustained gearbox failure about one mile off Wicklow Port.

Wicklow's RNLI crew were alongside the drifting vessel three minutes after launch, and a towline was quickly established.

Conditions in the bay at the time recorded a sea state slight, overcast with squally showers and a southwesterly Force 4 wind.

The fishing vessel, with two crew, was towed into Wicklow Harbour and safely secured alongside the south quay shortly after noon.

This was the second callout in 24 hours for the volunteer crew, which on this mission comprised second coxswain Ciaran Doyle, second mechanic Lisa O'Leary, Terry Sillery, Kevin Rahill, Carol Flahive, Dean Mulvihill and Peter McCann.