Dun Laoghaire Harbour RNLI rescued a kite surfer who had drifted offshore and become entangled in the kite's lines. The rescue occurred off Dollymount Strand, one mile northeast of Bull Island, this afternoon (Sunday, 1 January).
The Irish Coast Guard requested the volunteer lifeboat crew to assist in the rescue of the young man in his early 20s, the call coming in from his parents, who had been tasked with keeping an eye on his progress from ashore.
The crew were alerted by the RNLI pager at 1.43 pm, launched within five minutes, and made the best speed arriving on the scene moments before 2 pm. Two of the volunteer crew were in their homes, with the third working nearby when the emergency call came in.
The weather was fine, with a slight breeze and minimal swell.
Dun Laoghaire RNLI Helm Paul Cummins said: ‘the young man got into difficulty when the wind dropped, and he drifted a mile offshore. In the process, he became entangled in the kite rigging.’
When the RNLI crew arrived, volunteers Ailbhe Smith, and James Traynor (who was also on his first callout since formally passing out as a full lifeboat crew member), assessed the casualty's condition and freed him from his rigging equipment, bringing him safely aboard the lifeboat. Within ten minutes, he was returned to his parents ashore safe and well, and thankfully required no medical assistance.
‘We were delighted to see the kite surfer reunited with his parents. In this instance, all preparations were followed — the surfer wore a heavy winter wetsuit, had a buoyancy aid, and had a shore contact looking on,’ Paul added.
‘Anyone taking to the water at any time of the year should always check weather and tide times before venturing out and always carry a means of calling for help should you need to use it. Should you get into difficulty or see someone else in trouble, dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.’
