As the May Bank Holiday approaches, the Irish Coast Guard, RNLI and Water Safety Ireland are issuing a joint water safety appeal asking people to take precautions to ensure their safety whether in, near or on the water, both at the coast and inland.

As the weather improves, more people will participate in coastal and water-based activities. The three organisations say that while these activities are enjoyable, they should be properly planned.

With alcohol being a contributory factor in around one third of drownings in Ireland, they are also appealing to the public to stay away from waterways if alcohol has been consumed.

It is important to be summer ready and ensure that boats and other water vessels, including kayaks and canoes, are checked after the winter to ensure that everything is in good working order and that engines have been serviced, with all equipment — particularly lifejackets — in good condition.

If out on a boat, or other water vessel, wear a lifejacket and carry a reliable means of communication: a VHF radio and ideally a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) or Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) with a mobile phone as back-up. Ensure that you tell someone where you are going and when you plan to be back.

Micheál O’Toole from the Irish Coast Guard is reminding everyone of the need to check the weather and tides before heading out on the water or visiting the coast.

“We would advise people that the water is still cold at this time of the year, and cold-water shock can affect everyone,” he said. “We recommend exercising caution if entering the water for the first time this year, to wear brightly coloured swimming caps and use tow floats to improve visibility.

“Never ever swim alone and always make sure that your activity is being monitored by a colleague. Things can go very badly wrong in a very short time, so we all need to be aware of potential dangers and be well prepared before engaging in water-based activities. ‘

“The Be Summer Ready website at www.gov.ie/summerready provides good advice about water safety and we would urge all those involved in water activities to take some time to read the material available on the site before venturing out on the water.”

Roger Sweeney, Water Safety Ireland’s deputy CEO said: “Swimmers should be aware of rip currents which are a leading hazard at our beaches. They are often difficult to spot and can quickly weaken even the strongest swimmers and take them away from shore.

“Never swim against a rip current. Instead, swim parallel to shore until you escape the narrow current and then swim back to shore at an angle. Learn more at www.watersafety.ie/rip-currents.”

Killian O’Kelly, RNLI water safety education manager added: “If you’re going out on the water using a stand-up paddleboard, sit on top kayak, or personal watercraft, it is important to consider the direction of the wind. Offshore winds, ie winds blowing out to sea, are not suitable for these activities as they can push you further out to sea.

“Plan your route considering sheltered locations, wear a personal flotation device and have a suitable means of contact on your person that is easily accessible in any emergency.

“If you see somebody in trouble on the water or along the coast, or think they are in trouble, dial 112 or use VHF Channel 16 and ask for the coastguard.”

New recruits in the Irish Coast Guard as well as search and rescue teams on loughs Neagh and Foyle are featured in a new four-part Irish-language TV series following the next generation of emergency workers.

999 Faoi Oiliúint debuted on RTÉ One last week with new team volunteer Martin O’Neill out on patrol with Foyle Search and Rescue, while the latest episode from this past Monday (24 April) follows Ruaidhri Ó Domhnaill during his first year of training with Killybegs Coast Guard in Co Donegal.

Filmed over the course of a year, the documetary series accompanies the cadets as they navigate an intense training regimen and deal with real-life emergencies callouts.

The next episode of 999 Faoi Oiliúint is on RTÉ One next Monday 1 May at 8pm and previous episodes are available on RTÉ Player for viewers in the Republic of Ireland.

An inquest into the death of Irish Coast Guard volunteer Caitriona Lucas is expected to be adjourned today (April 12), following an application by legal representatives for the Lucas family for a number of witnesses and documentation.

Lawyers for Ms Lucas’s family have requested that former ministers of transport, including Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, Paschal Donohoe and Shane Ross, be called before the hearing.

The Lucas family lawyers have also applied to Limerick city coroner John McNamara for a number of other witnesses to be called.

These include the former head of the Irish Coast Guard, the State’s chief surveyor, Marine Casualty Investigation Board (MCIB) members, several senior Department of Transport officials, and Coast Guard personnel present on the day Ms Lucas died.

In addition, the legal team has asked if the whereabouts of Ms Lucas’s lifejacket can be established and if it will be produced at the inquest.

The Limerick coroner’s office has confirmed that the inquest in Kilmallock, Co Limerick “will take the form of a preliminary hearing with an adjournment to a later date”.

It is over six years since Ms Lucas (41) lost her life after a RIB attached to the Kilkee Coast Guard unit, which she was crewing on, capsized during a search for a missing man on September 12th, 2016.

The 41-year-old mother of two, a highly experienced member of Doolin Coast Guard and librarian, was the first Irish Coast Guard volunteer to die during a tasking.

Two investigations were completed some time ago into the circumstances surrounding her death, including an MCIB report released in December 2018.

After a separate investigation was completed by the Health and Safety Authority (HSA), Ms Lucas’s husband, Bernard, was informed by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) that no criminal charges would be brought.

The MCIB report was critical of the Irish Coast Guard’s safety management and catalogued a number of systems and equipment failures in relation to the Kilkee Coast Guard unit.

However, Mr Lucas said that he “very disappointed” that the published MCIB report had failed to address questions over equipment his wife was wearing, and both he and members of the Kilkee Coast Guard unit queried the location for the incident given in the report.

The Lucas family lawyers have applied for documents, including a copy of an internal Irish Coast Guard investigation of February 2015.

This report was compiled but not circulated to Coast Guard personnel after an incident in August 2014 where a Coast Guard RIB capsized off Kerry in a shallow “surf zone”.

The incident was similar to that which occurred off Kilkee.

Maritime lawyer Michael Kingston, who is representing the Lucas family on the instruction of solicitor Ronan Connolly, said a number of other key documents had been applied for as part of the inquest hearing, but had not yet been provided by the Department of Transport.

Mr Kingston said that former transport ministers, including Mr Varadkar and Mr Donohoe, were being called as witnesses due to their role in transposing a European directive into Irish law.

The directive provided for the establishment of an independent maritime investigation system and was not transposed correctly. This led to a European Court of Justice judgment issued against Ireland in July 2020, he noted.

New legislation for an independent maritime investigations unit is currently before the Oireachtas.

Mr Kingston said that it was “extremely important that the full facts of Ms Lucas’s death are established”.

He said it was “critically important in the public interest in relation to the safety of Irish Coast Guard personnel, and all Irish citizens involved in maritime activities”.

The coroner’s role as an independent officeholder is to inquire into the circumstances of sudden, unexplained, violent and unnatural deaths.

The Lucas family lawyers are seeking assurance that legal costs will be paid for by the State, given that she died while on active Irish Coast Guard duty.

Ahead of St Patrick’s Day festivities around Ireland, the Irish Coast Guard, RNLI and Water Safety Ireland have issued a joint water safety appeal, asking people to stay safe when in, near or on the water.

The organisations are also urging the public to stay away from waterways if consuming alcohol. There are an average of nine drownings in Ireland every month and alcohol is a contributory factor in one third.

A lifejacket that has a correctly fitting crotch strap should always be worn on water and when angling from shore. If engaging in any boating activity it is essential to have a means of communication such as VHF radio or personal locator beacon with a mobile phone as a backup.

Water temperatures are still cold, meaning cold water shock and hypothermia are risks that can affect everyone. To avoid this while swimming, people should acclimatise to the water slowly to get used to the cold and warm up quickly upon exiting the water.

The Irish Coast Guard, RNLI and Water Safety Ireland advise everyone intending to take part in any water-based activity or coastal walks to make sure they check in advance what they should do to keep safe.

If heading out on the water or visiting the coast:

• Never mix alcohol with water activities
• Always check the weather and tides
• Carry a reliable means of raising the alarm (VHF radio or personal locator beacon, with a fully charged mobile phone as backup)
• Tell someone where you are going and what time you will be back
• Wear a suitable personal flotation device when boating or angling
• Watch out for incoming tides to avoid getting cut off

If you are swimming:

• Water temperatures are still cold at this time of the year; consider wearing a wetsuit to stay warm
• Acclimatise slowly
• Wear a bright swimming cap and consider a tow float to increase your visibility
• Never swim alone and always ensure that your activity is being monitored by a colleague

Irish Coast Guard operations manager Micheal O’Toole says: “St Patrick’s weekend is a traditional start to the holiday season and with extended daylight people will be keen to get out and about. Always carry a means of communication. If engaging in coastal walks, only use routes with which you are familiar or routes that are well marked and in regular use. Be attentive to erosion or changes that may have occurred over the winter period.“”

RNLI head of region Anna Classon adds: “As the evenings get longer, the water temperature is at its coldest at this time of year. Cold water shock is still a risk and we ask people to take care when entering and exiting the water. Acclimatise slowly and never swim alone.”

Water Safety Ireland’s deputy chief executive Roger Sweeney cautions that people should stay away from water if consuming alcohol.

“At this time of year many people will enjoy family trips to waterways nationwide. However, it is important people remember to supervise children closely and not to drink alcohol when supervising children near water,” he says. “Alcohol is a contributory factor in over 30% of drowning incidents and an individual’s judgement and reaction times can be significantly impaired.”

If you see somebody in trouble on the water or along the coast, or think they are in trouble, dial 999 or 112 or use VHF Channel 16 and ask for the coastguard.

Both Clifden lifeboats were launched on Monday morning (13 March) to conduct a search after an EPIRB distress signal was detected by Malin Head Coast Guard in the area around Letterfrack in Co Galway.

An EPIRB, or emergency position indicating radio beacon, is a device to alert search and rescue services in case of an emergency out at sea.

Deputy launching authority Saul Joyce launched Clifden RNLI’s Shannon class all-weather lifeboat St Christopher under the command of coxswain Alan Pryce with mechanic Joe Acton, navigator Dan Whelan and crew of Andy Bell, Chris Nee and John Heffernan.

The all-weather lifeboat made best speed to the search area of Mullaghloss on the Renvyle peninsula. While that boat was en route and with more information becoming available, Clifden RNLI’s Atlantic 85 was launched with Thomas Davis at the helm and crew of Kevin Ryan and Shane Conneely.

The Irish Coast Guard’s Sligo-based helicopter Rescue 118 was also tasked to search along with Cleggan Coast Guard units.

An extensive search was carried out of the reported areas by all assets with a large portion of the north Connemara coast searched. With all involved satisfied that there was no vessel in distress in the area, the coastguard stood down all assets and the volunteer crews returned to station.

Clifden RNLI coxswain Alan Pryce said Monday’s call “demonstrates how a well coordinated multi-agency search can cover a very large area thoroughly and efficiently.

“Thankfully there was no vessel in distress on this occasion but we remain ready to respond every time the pager goes.”

Speaking about EPIRBs, Pryce added: “Emergency beacons are a lifesaving piece of equipment, I would encourage any boat owners to check the service status and registration details of any beacons on board. If you don’t have an EPIRB you should consider getting one because they will help search and rescue services to pinpoint the location of a vessel in distress.”

The Dublin Bay Old Gaffers Association will host an illustrated lecture next week by Joe Ryan reflecting on the coastguard in Ireland over the last 200 years.

Joe spent 12 years at sea as a radio officer responsible for the safety of lives at sea. He spent 15 years as a computer engineer and software advisor, and 20 years as a search and rescue co-ordinator with the Irish Coast Guard before his retirement in 2014.

He has been a supporter of the Maritime Institute and their lectures since 1995, and he gave their keynote lecture in 2014 on the coastguard from 1822 to 2014, “Hands Around the Country”, which later became a PDF booklet, as previously reported on Afloat.ie.

Joe says this upcoming lecture is not a rehash of his previous address, and will instead reflect on key moments of the Irish Coast Guard and its predecessor bodies over the last two centuries.

The lecture takes place this Thursday 23 February at 8pm at the Poolbeg Yacht and Boat Club. All are welcome and donations for Howth RNLI may be made at the door. Early attendance is recommended to be sure of a seat.

The talk will also be streaming live on Zoom for those who cannot attend in person (details on request from [email protected]).

The Irish Coast Guard (IRCG), a Division of the Department of Transport, and has responsibility for critical incidents response to maritime emergencies and the Director of IRCG has a key role in ensuring effective and efficient service delivery on behalf of the citizen.

The IRCG provides search and rescue services across the state and saves on average 400 lives per year. It is comprised of almost 100 full time staff and supported by almost 1,000 volunteers across 44 units nationwide. Its scope includes rescue from the sea, cliffs and mountains, the provision of maritime safety broadcasts, ship casualty operations and investigation of pollution reports.

The Director of the IRCG will be a key member of the senior management team in the Department of Transport and will report to the Assistant Secretary with the responsibility for the IRCG. Amongst their responsibilities, the Director of the IRCG will have operational responsibility for search and rescue and accident prevention services around the Irish coast and on Irish inland waterways. They will also oversee the operational activities of the IRCG nationwide including the Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centres and coastal sector units.

The successful candidate will have:

• Significant experience, at an appropriate level, in Maritime Search and Rescue operations management, ship casualty, and pollution response.
• Substantial senior level management experience in managing resources in complex organisations of scale.
• Experience of policy development, delivery and implementation in a complex organisation.
• A track record of successfully leading change or innovation within a complex organisation(s).

For More information and how to apply, visit: https://bit.ly/AO_Ad_DirectorICG

The closing date for receipt of completed applications is 3pm on Thursday 23 rd February 2023.

We are committed to a policy of equal opportunity and encourage applications under all nine grounds of the Employment Equality Act.

The Irish Coast Guard (IRCG) is 201 years old and we are now looking for an exceptional individual committed to ensuring that the search and rescue services provided across the State continue to be the best that they can be for the years ahead.

The Coast Guard saves on average 400 lives per year, responding to almost 3,000 call outs. The services are co-ordinated by almost 100 full time staff and almost 1,000 dedicated volunteers nationwide. This is an exciting opportunity for the right individual to harness the energy and commitment of volunteers and permanent staff, delivering this key emergency service, to the highest governance, operational and ethical standards.

The Assistant Secretary will be responsible for setting the strategic direction on what will save the most lives, including improving safety on the water for all citizens and delivering excellent customer service, working effectively with a wide range of stakeholders. They will also have responsibility for driving and delivering a transformation programme of the IRCG, following a review across all aspects of the Coast Guard Service including culture, governance, strategy, structure and roles to ensure that the IRCG is best placed to succeed in the 21st century. A key aspect of this role will be initiating an independent review of the role of the volunteer. The review will be informed by an extensive engagement programme with volunteers and staff to inform and guide this work.

The Department of Transport now seeks to appoint an Assistant Secretary, the first time an appointment has been made at this senior leadership level to lead the Irish Coast Guard.
The successful candidate will:

• have a proven record of achievement at a senior level that demonstrates the necessary vision, governance, leadership and management skills required;
• have the leadership ability to manage a diverse workforce, including uniformed coast guard officers, volunteer units, operational room staff, policy officials and administrative support staff;
• have experience of driving reform in a complex organisation of scale and have a proven ability to deliver change initiatives, including people management and performance improvement
• have expertise in driving and maintaining the highest standards of financial management and governance compliance
• have proven ability in analysis and decision-making in resolving complex problems
• have proven skills in effectively developing and maintaining key relationships.

This is a Top Level Appointments Committee (TLAC) position.

If you feel you would benefit from a confidential discussion about this role, contact Aoife Lyons on [email protected]

For More information and how to apply, visit: https://bit.ly/AO_Ad_ASecretaryICG

The closing date for receipt of completed applications is 15:00 on Thursday 23 February, 2023.

We are committed to a policy of equal opportunity and encourage applications under all nine grounds of the Employment Equality Act.

Howth’s Irish Coast Guard unit reminds sea swimmers to be wary of cold water temperatures after they responded to a hypothermic swimmer needing medical assistance on Wednesday morning (4 January).

The casualty was taken safely from the water at Balscadden Bay and transferred to the care of the National Ambulance Service. Howth Community First Responders and the Dublin Fire Brigade also attended the scene.

Commenting on social media, Howth’s coastguard said: “While Balscadden is sheltered, water temperatures are a very cold 8C at the moment.”

They added: “If you see someone in difficulty and think they need assistance on or near the coast, dial 999/112 and ask to speak to the Irish Coast Guard.”

Kinsale RNLI’s volunteer lifeboat crew along with the assistance of four coastguard units rescued two stranded dogs on Bank Holiday Monday (2 January).

The dogs had gotten into difficulty at the bottom of a cliff near Nohoval Cove in West Cork and were last seen by their owners the previous day.

Kinsale RNLI’s lifeboat Miss Sally Ann Baggy II, helmed by Jonathan Connor, was launched just before 10am and reached the bottom of the cliff near New Foundland Bay shortly after in difficult sea conditions.

Irish Coast Guard units from Oysterhaven, Kinsale, Summercove and Crosshaven were also tasked.

Due to a southwesterly surge, it proved challenging to veer the lifeboat in, so a decision was made to hold position and send two crew members into the water and swim to the base of the cliff.

With the help of the coastguard units and a specialist tracking device that was on the dogs’ collars, the two dogs were rescued uninjured and reunited with their owners shortly after midday at Oysterhaven Coast Guard station.

Speaking following the callout, Kinsale RNLI helm Jonathan Connor said: “This was a multi-agency response from our volunteers and our colleagues in the coastguard. Unfortunately, one of the three dogs involved died but we were glad to be able to reunite the two others with their owners.

“We would remind dog owners to ensure to look after their own personal safety and don’t get into danger trying to attempt a rescue themselves. We would advise keeping dogs on a lead if close to cliff edges.

“If your dog does go over a cliff and into the water or gets stuck in mud, don't go in after them. Instead move to a place your dog can get to safely and call their name and they may get out by themselves.

“If you're worried about your dog, call 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard.”