Skerries RNLI were tasked on Bank Holiday Monday evening (6 June) by Dublin Coast Guard following 999 calls reporting an injured swimmer in Rush Harbour who was unable to get out of the water.
Pagers sounded shortly before 5.30pm and the volunteer crew quickly assembled to launch their Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat Louis Simson, setting a course for Rush.
When the lifeboat arrived on scene, there were already two Dublin Fire Brigade personnel in the water stabilising the injured man, who had jumped into the sea from the harbour and struck submerged rocks below.
Irish Coast Guard helicopter Rescue 116 was also on scene, however given the nature of the man’s injuries, winching him directly out of the water risked causing further discomfort or injury.
The helicopter proceeded instead to land in a nearby field which Skerries Coast Guard had secured as a landing zone.
Three crew members from Skerries RNLI entered the water and assisted the fire brigade in placing the man on a spinal board. They then carefully floated him around the harbour wall, into the harbour and ashore.
From there he was transferred by Skerries Coast Guard unit to an awaiting ambulance, which in turn brought him to the helicopter for onwards transport to hospital. Members of An Garda Síochána were also assisting on scene.
Speaking about the callout, Skerries RNLI press officer Gerry Canning said: “All of the emergency services really pulled together to ensure this man got the help he needed.
“We would advise anyone jumping the into the water to look for obstructions and check the depth of the water, every time, even if you know the area. Tides can vary and underwater objects can move. We wish the man a full and speedy recovery.”