#RNLI - Ballycotton RNLI rescued a child yesterday evening (Thursday 4 August) after an offshore breeze pulled her inflatable dinghy out to sea.

Ballycotton’s all-weather lifeboat, under coxswain Eolan Walsh, was launched around 5.30pm after the nine-year-old girl got into difficulty off Ardnahinch beach.

Valentia Coast Guard was quickly alerted and then requested the volunteer crew members from Ballycotton and Youghal RNLI to launch their all-weather and inshore lifeboats.

Although weather conditions were calm, an offshore breeze blew the inflatable dinghy out to sea with the girl clinging on.

Ballycotton's inshore boarding boat was first to arrive on scene, shortly followed by the all-weather lifeboat.

The girl was brought onboard the inshore lifeboat where she was assessed and found to be safe and well but in a distressed state. She was assisted by the crew member and brought back safely to her parents on the beach.

"This was a frightening experience for the young girl and her family and we would like to wish them all well following their ordeal," said Walsh after the callout.

"Thankfully, the alarm was raised quickly and the casualty was wearing a suitable buoyancy aid which attributed to a positive outcome."

Walsh added that "while the coast is a great place for young people and families to enjoy, we would remind everyone to respect the water, to understand the risks and to stay safe.

"When using a dinghy, always make sure you wear an appropriate lifejacket or buoyancy aid; always carry a means of calling or signalling for help.

"Check the weather forecasts and tide times before you go and if on your own, tell someone about your plans – where you intend to go and when you expect to return, and know how to contact the coastguard."

#RNLI - The volunteer crew of Youghal lifeboat were requested to launch on Saturday afternoon (30 July) to reports of a dive boat with engine failure south of Ram Head with two people onboard.

With an updated position received from the Irish Coast Guard, Youghal RNLI located the vessel with the two men safely onboard and wearing their lifejackets.

The lifeboat, with helm Jason Ansbro and crew members Erik Brooks, Kevin Daly and Liam Keogh, took the boat under tow to Knockadoon Pier.

While en route, the crew received a call from the lifeboat station to say there was a dog swimming out to sea at Pilmore beach. After securing the vessel at Knockadoon, the lifeboat proceeded to Pilmore in search of the dog, locating it with the help of the Youghal Coast Guard unit on the beach and recovering the animal onboard the lifeboat.

After some reassurance, the dog seemed happy and unharmed by his adventure, and he was returned to the safety of the beach.

It later emerged that the dog and its owners were walking on Pilmore beach exercising an injury from the previous week, when the dog broke free from his lead and made a dash for the water.

Weather conditions at the time were dry with a light north-westerly breeze and calm sea.

Speaking after the event, lifeboat helm Jason Ansbro said: "When walking dogs on the beach, people should be vigilant as they can get into difficulty very quickly, and to make sure and not go into the water after them if they do."

#RNLI - Portaferry RNLI has urged the public to be vigilant and to take care near or on water this summer following three callouts in two days for the Co Down lifeboat station.

The volunteer lifeboat crew was first put into action on Friday afternoon (29 July) when during a routine exercise, the inshore lifeboat observed three people on a small inflatable boat that had broken down and was on a rock off Killyleagh. Weather conditions at the time were described as good with the sun shining and a slight breeze.

Following unsuccessful attempts to restart the engine, the lifeboat crew offered their assistance and proceeded to take the three onboard and bring them safely back to shore in Killyleagh.

The lifeboat launched for a second time on Friday evening following a 999 call from a bystander on the shore at the northern end of Strangford Lough.

At the scene the crew found a man was using a small tender boat to get out to his yacht, which was on a mooring between the islands. However, with the tide rushing between the islands at six to seven knots, it was making conditions difficult. The lifeboat went alongside the boat and ensured the man made his way safely to the yacht.

The lifeboat crew was called on for a third time shortly after 6pm on Saturday (30 July) when a 10m yacht with one onboard broke down and was becalmed off the north rock in Cloughey, Portavogie. Conditions at the time were good with an easterly Force 2 wind blowing, some cloud and a calm sea.

Once on scene, the lifeboat crew observed that the engine had lost power and proceeded to work with the yachtsman to establish a towline before bringing the vessel safely into Portavogie.

Speaking following what has been a busy period for the station, Portaferry RNLI lifeboat operations manager Brian Bailie said: "We would encourage everyone visiting the coastline this summer to enjoy themselves but to remember to respect the water.

"Always wear a lifejacket and always have a means for calling and signalling for help and ensure everyone know how to use it. Always check the weather forecast and tide times.

"Make sure someone ashore knows where you are going and who to call if you don’t return on time. Learn how to start, run and maintain your engine and always carry tools and spares."

#RNLI - Skerries RNLI volunteers launched their Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat on Thursday evening (28 July) to reports of a 21ft boat with a fouled propeller south of Rush Harbour.

A person on board the stricken vessel had contacted one of the volunteer crew and informed them that they had fouled their propeller and were anchored south of the harbour.

The crew were paged shortly after 8.30pm, and the lifeboat was quickly launched with Joe May as Helm and crewed by Rob Morgan, Peter Kennedy and Simon Shiels.

As the lifeboat was en route, the crew received an update to say that the casualty vessel had managed free their propeller and return safely to Rogerstown Estuary. The lifeboat was stood down and returned to station.

Speaking after the callout, Skerries RNLI lifeboat press officer Gerry Canning said: "Things can go wrong at sea, even for the most experienced seafarers. That’s why it is important to always have the correct equipment on board.

"In this case a good anchor gave [the casualty vessel and its crew] the time they needed to get themselves out of trouble."

The callout was the third in a week for the Skerries inshore lifeboat, after it launched to reports of swimmers in difficulty last Saturday 23 July, and rescued four from a speedboat grounded on rocks at Colt Island the previous Thursday (21 July).

#RNLI - Two members of Wicklow Lifeboat Station have received awards from the RNLI in recognition of their dedication and service over the years.

Deputy second coxswain Dave O’Leary has been awarded the crewman’s Long Service Badge for meritorious service to the RNLI.

O'Leary joined the volunteer crew in May 1996 and was appointed an inshore lifeboat helm in 2002. He was put on the coxswains plan in 2007 and became a deputy second coxswain in 2008, the year his sister Lisa became third mechanic.

In 2010, he took over and overhauled the inshore lifeboat crew training plan, and he is now an integral part of the station personnel.

Meanwhile, lifeboat operations manager Des Davitt was awarded inscribed binoculars for his service to the RNLI.

Davitt joined the RNLI Wicklow committee in 1993, becoming vice chairman in 1995 and taking charge of all fundraising for the branch with support from the Ladies Guild.

Davitt was chairman of the appeal committee who raised funds for the provision of a new inshore lifeboat and an extension to the boathouse to house the new lifeboat in 1996.

In 2001, he was awarded the bronze badge for his services to fundraising. Three years later, he took over the new position of lifeboat operations manager – formerly honorary secretary – from the retiring Kevin Desmond.

Fundraising then became separate from operations and Phylis Whyte took over the running of all fundraising activities.

As lifeboat operations manager, Davitt is responsible for all operational activities at the station and authorises the launch of the boat when a launch request is received from the Irish Coast Guard.

#RNLI - Youghal RNLI in East Cork was requested to launch twice this past Sunday (24 July) to separate reports of a boat with engine trouble and a missing person.

The volunteer lifeboat crew were first called upon to launch their Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat at 12.40pm following a report that a small inflatable boat with two people onboard had appeared to have engine trouble somewhere between Youghal Lighthouse and East Point in Youghal Bay.

Weather conditions at the time were described as good, with a south westerly gentle wind blowing and a slight swell.

Once on scene, the lifeboat crew observed that the boat had made its way to shore near Moll Goggin's Corner. The two men with it were safe and well and happy to recover the boat themselves.

Speaking following the callout, Youghal RNLI helm Jason Ansbro said: "A member of the public on Lighthouse Hill did the right thing this afternoon and raised the alarm when they felt someone was in difficulty.

"Both men onboard were sensible and wearing lifejackets at the time."

The second callout of the day came at 10.45pm, when the lifeboat was requested to join in a search for a person reported missing in the water on the Waterford side of Youghal Bridge.

Youghal Coast Guard Unit and the Irish Coast Guard helicopter Rescue 117 from Waterford were also involved. But local Garda soon informed the rescue services that they were happy that nobody was missing and asked all agencies to stand down.

#RNLI - It was another busy day for North Coast lifeboat volunteer crews as both Portrush RNLI lifeboats were launched for the second time in 24 hours yesterday evening (Sunday 24 July).

The all-weather and inshore lifeboats were launched at 5.30pm to reports of a casualty who had fallen onto rocks inside a cave just underneath Dunluce Castle.

Weather conditions were good with a calm sea and little wind which helped the lifeboats to reach the scene in good time. Rescue 999, the helicopter from Prestwick, was also tasked to airlift the casualty to hospital.

The Portrush inshore lifeboat (ILB), carrying a paramedic from the NI Ambulance Service, had to get as close to the shoreline as possible to recover the casualty.

Meanwhile, the all-weather boat (ALB) was waiting alongside to transfer the casualty so that the helicopter could carry out an airlift from the bigger boat.

"This operation took skill and precision and is something that lifeboat and rescue helicopter crews practice on a regular basis," said Portrush RNLI lifeboat operations manager Robin Cardwell.

"This was a textbook callout carried out with absolute precision by all involved. We hope that the casualty makes a full recovery."

Less than 24 hours previously on Saturday evening (23 July) both lifeboats were called out to reports of swimmers who were missing off the coast between Castlerock and Downhill.

Within minutes both lifeboats were on scene along with RNLI beach lifeguards on their rescue water craft. The Irish Coast Guard's Sligo-based helicopter Rescue 118 was also tasked.

The waters between the two land points were thoroughly searched with no swimmers being found. The search was stood down around 9.15pm and described as a ‘false alarm with good intent’.

Two other joint operations on the North Coast occurred earlier in the week, the first to reports of two surfers believed missing at Benone Strand on Tuesday (19 July).

Portrush's inshore lifeboat was requested by the lifeguards to assist in the search, though thankfully the surfers turned up safe and well.

The second callout on the same day around 4pm was to reports of a lost child at White Rocks beach. The coastguard and lifeguards searched the beach while the inshore lifeboat patrolled the sea just off shore. The child was found safe and well by the lifeguards.

More recently, the lifeguards themselves sprang into action on Saturday afternoon at Benone to assist a child who had been stung by a weever fish.

As part of their training the lifeguards undertake a comprehensive first aid course which equips them to deal with most situations they may encounter on a busy beach in the summer.

RNLI volunteer lifeguard press officer Liam Mullan reminded beachgoers to "always try to visit a RNLI lifeguarded beach. Remember to keep an eye on the flags and swim between the red and yellow flags.

"If you get into difficulty raise your hand and call for help. If you see someone in difficulty dial 999 and ask for the coastguard."

#RNLI - Skerries RNLI volunteers launched their Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat on Saturday afternoon (23 July) after Dublin Coast Guard received a call from a concerned member of public about a swimmer in difficulty.

The lifeboat launched shortly after 12.30pm with Philip Ferguson at helm and crewed by Emma Wilson, Steven Johnson and AJ Hughes, after a swimmer was reported having difficulty returning to shore at the swimming area known locally as The Captains.

Within minutes the lifeboat was on scene, but there was no sign of any swimmers in the area. Before a search could be started Dublin Coast Guard received a second call to confirm that the swimmer had made it ashore and was safe and well. The lifeboat was stood down and returned to station.

Speaking after the callout, Skerries RNLI lifeboat press officer Gerry Canning said: :The member of the public who called Dublin Coast Guard was genuinely concerned for the swimmer and was right to make the call.

"Thankfully in this case our assistance wasn’t required, but our volunteer crew are always ready to respond to anyone in difficulty at sea."

The callout came two days after the Skerries lifeboat rescued four men from a speedboat grounded on rocks at Colt Island, as previously reported on Afloat.ie.

#RNLI - At 7:30am yesterday morning (Saturday 23 July), Bangor RNLI was requested by HM Coastguard to attend a boat off Carrickfergus in Belfast Lough, following the firing of a red distress flare.

On arrival at the scene, the volunteer crew were able to confirm that the boat, with two men on board, had fired the flare.

The men had left Carrickfergus early yesterday evening in calm conditions, but then suffered the loss of their main engine, followed by the failure of the auxiliary outboard.

After several hours trying to fix the problem without success, and with no working mobile phone or radio, they decided to wait until morning to fire a flare to attract attention.

The crew quickly rigged up a line between the stricken vessel and the Bangor lifeboat Jessie Hillyard, and towed them to Carrickfergus Marina. Just outside the marina they tied the motorboat alongside for better manoeuvrability in the close confines of the marina.

Bangor RNLI helm Gareth Whan said: “The crew and I are happy to have brought these men to safety, after what must have been a fairly miserable night for them on board a boat with no power in Belfast Lough.

“Incidents like this highlight the importance of ensuring your engines are in good working order, and the need to have a reliable way of calling for help if things go wrong.

"Luckily for them, the weather stayed good overnight, and the flare was spotted this morning.”

Previously the Bangor lifeboat was called out to rescue boys trapped on rocks while fishing last weekend, as reported on Afloat.ie.

#RNLI - Skerries RNLI launched yesterday afternoon (Thursday 21 July) after Dublin Coast Guard received a call from a vessel that had suffered engine failure near the islands off the North Co Dublin coastal town.

The lifeboat launched shortly after 4.30pm and proceeded to the general area indicated by the casualty vessel.

Arriving on scene, the volunteer crew spotted the speedboat, which had been pushed on to the rocks at Colt Island by the wind and tide. At the time there was a Force 3-4 south-westerly wind and a slight swell.

The lifeboat was carefully positioned to transfer a crew member to the casualty vessel. A tow was established and the boat, with four men on board, was towed clear of the rocks into safer water.

Upon inspection there did not appear to be any major damage to the hull so the tow was continued, returning them safely to Skerries Harbour.

Speaking after the callout, Skerries RNLI lifeboat press officer Gerry Canning said: "Thankfully the lifeboat reached them quickly as the situation was deteriorating quite quickly.

"However, all four were wearing lifejackets and crucially they were able to contact the shore for help."