In the early hours of Tuesday morning (20 June), Valentia Coast Guard requested Lough Derg RNLI to launch to search for and assist two people reported to have set out from Portumna for Mountshannon seven hours earlier but who had not arrived at their destination.

At 1.39am, the inshore lifeboat Jean Spier launched with helm Eleanor Hooker and crew Doireann Kennedy, Chris Parker and Ciara Lynch on board.

Winds were southwesterly Force 2 on a moonless, starless night. Volunteers used local knowledge and all their electronic equipment on board to navigate in the dark.

At the lifeboat was launching, Valentia Coast Guard requested the RNLI volunteers begin their search at Mountshannon, at the southwestern end of the lake, and to take a route north towards Portumna.

At 1.48am, at the same time as the RNLI volunteer monitoring radar detected an object in the water, one of the volunteers on watch pointed to a fleeting white outline in the dark.

The crew used their searchlight and determined that it was the casualty vessel. The vessel was adrift in open water near to Garrykennedy.

When the lifeboat came alongside, volunteers found that both casualties were safe and unharmed. They were requested to put on their lifejackets.

The helm decided to take the casualty vessel on an alongside tow to Garrykennedy Harbour, the closest safe harbour. The skipper of the casualty boat was requested to lift their outboard engine to reduce drag.

At 2.25am the vessel was safely tied alongside at Garrykennedy. Lifeboat crew made contact with a friend of the casualties and arranged for them to be collected.

Peter Kennedy, deputy launching authority at Lough Derg RNLI advises boat uses to “ensure you have sufficient fuel for your journey and always carry a means of communication. Plan your route to arrive at your destination before nightfall. Should you need assistance, dial 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard.”

Youghal RNLI in East Cork launched to the aid of three people on Monday afternoon (19 June) after a 40ft yacht fouled its mooring in Youghal Harbour.

The volunteer crew were requested to launch their inshore lifeboat at 3.45pm following a report from the Irish Coast Guard that the yacht was in difficulty about 200m from the lifeboat station.

Helmed by John Griffin Jr and with crew members Eddie Hennessy, Jack Nolan and Jason Innes onboard, the inshore lifeboat was launched and was quickly on scene.

Weather conditions at the time were good with a southerly Force 3 wind and a smooth sea.

Once on scene, the crew observed the three onboard were not in difficulty but had requested assistance due to the yacht having become tangled in its mooring cable, which the crew were able to set free.

Speaking following the call-out, John Hearne, Youghal RNLI’s deputy launching authority said: “This was a straightforward call-out for our volunteers who were happy to assist those onboard the yacht.

“As we now enter the summer season, we would encourage anyone planning a trip to sea to always go prepared, ensure boats and engines are checked and that you have enough fuel for your trip, always wear a lifejacket or suitable flotation device and always carry a means of communication such as a VHF radio or a mobile phone.

“Should you get into difficulty or see someone else in trouble, call 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard.”

A kayaker is thanking the RNLI for saving his life after the charity’s local volunteer lifeboat crew pulled him from the waves on Father’s Day last year.

Grandad Glenn Bradley was enjoying the good weather and calm conditions in Cloughey Bay at Northern Ireland’s Ards Peninsula with his wife, Jo, on their kayaks when she capsized.

Unable to get back on board, Jo swam to shore while Glenn tried to retrieve her boat, which was being blown out to sea by a rapidly increasing offshore wind.

Glenn said: “I was lashing the kayaks together to tow hers back in when I realised the wind had picked up and I was about 400 metres offshore, and I just could not get back in.

“I waved my paddle left to right in the air to signal to Jo that I was in distress as I was getting blown further and further out.”

Realising he was fighting a losing battle, Glenn turned out to sea, spotted a rocky outcrop and made a desperate bid to paddle to it.

He said: “I just thought, ‘I’ve got to stay in this boat as long as possible and hope to get rescued,’ and I was just stabbing at the water trying to stay afloat when I saw North Rock, put my head down and went for it.”

After capsizing in the huge swells 50 metres short of the tiny island, he made it to the shore dragging his kayak behind him and collapsing, exhausted.

Glenn Bradley says: “I’m only here to celebrate Father’s Day this year thanks to the RNLI. They saved my life” | Credit: Glenn Bradley

A volunteer crew from Donaghadee RNLI lifeboat had launched after Jo’s 999 call, and they arrived shortly after Glenn made it to North Rock.

Glenn was picked up from the waves and returned to shore where his family was waiting — even making it back in time for their Father’s Day meal.

Glenn said: “When I saw those unsung heroes of the RNLI appear on the horizon, I just felt relief.

“I made it to the restaurant that night, and I’m only here to celebrate Father’s Day this year thanks to the RNLI. They saved my life.”

An experienced kayaker, Glenn ordinarily would not take to the waves without a lifejacket and a means of calling for help. But thinking he would be in and out quickly, he had been caught out by the quick change in conditions.

Sam Hughes from the RNLI Water Safety Team said: “Luckily, due to his experience on a kayak and his wife’s quick thinking in calling 999 and asking for the coastguard, the outcome was a happy one for Glenn and his family on Father’s Day.

‘“Even experienced kayakers get caught out, so we recommend anyone heading out on a kayak always checks the tide times and weather forecast, wears a buoyancy aid and takes a means of calling for help in a waterproof pouch.”

In 2022, RNLI lifesavers — lifeguards and lifeboat crew — came to the aid of 535 kayakers and canoeists, saving 24 lives.

The RNLI’s key safety advice for anyone kayaking or canoeing is:

• Take a means of calling for help as part of your kit and keep it on you, within reach, at all times.
• Wear a suitable lifejacket or buoyancy aid.
• Always check the weather forecast and sea conditions before you set off.
• Make sure you have the right skills by taking a training session — British Canoeing or Canoeing Ireland run a range of courses.

Courtown RNLI in Co Wexford rescued three people on Sunday afternoon (11 June) after their speedboat started taking on water off Courtown Beach.

The volunteer crew were requested to launch their inshore lifeboat at around 3.40pm and it was launched shortly after at 3.50pm with helm Peter Browne and crew members Rob Ireton and Cathal Kinsella onboard.

They arrived on scene at 3.55pm and observed that the speedboat had made its way onto the beach.

Conditions were favourable at the time with partial cloud and a southeasterly wind.

Having assessed the situation, it was decided that crew member Cathal Kinsella to swim ashore with a tow rope. He assisted the speedboat crew to secure the tow line and he then stayed onboard the speedboat as it was towed into the harbour by the lifeboat.

Great care and skill were required towing the boat into the harbour as it was a busy day in Courtown, with small craft and jet skis using the harbour.

Speaking following the callout, Billy Byrne, Courtown RNLI deputy launching authority said: “We were delighted to help and wish the three onboard the speedboat well. We would commend them for all wearing the appropriate lifejackets, that is always the right thing to do.

“We would encourage all boat owners to maintain their craft and always have a means of calling for help. Should you get into difficulty or see someone else in trouble, call 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard.”

Portrush RNLI was requested to launch its all-weather lifeboat by Belfast Coastguard at 1.26am on Sunday morning (11 June) following reports of a small motor cruiser with three people onboard that had broken down around a mile off Ballycastle.

The lifeboat launched at 1.46am and arrived on scene at 3am. By the time the lifeboat and the volunteer crew had located the small boat, the tide had pulled it east in line between Rue Point on Rathlin Island and Torr Head.

Conditions were near perfect, with some partial cloud with a smooth sea and a light southeasterly breeze.

Once on scene, the lifeboat crew risk-assessed the situation and a decision was made to attach a towline to the boat and the crew started a slow tow to Ballycastle Harbour on Northern Ireland’s North Antrim coast.

Speaking following the callout, Johnny Weston, deputy coxswain at Portrush RNLI said: “Because of the size of the motor cruiser, we had to make sure it was a sure steady tow back to Ballycastle Harbour, but it was a beautiful morning and sea conditions were good.

“The crew of the small boat did the right thing in alerting the coastguard especially as the tide had started to pull them eastwards. This was the third launch for our all-weather within a 24-hour period.”

Tramore RNLI were involved in the rescue of two swimmers who got into difficulty off Tramore Beach on Friday evening (9 June).

The volunteer crew were requested to launch their inshore lifeboat at the request of the Irish Coast Guard following a call from a family member stating that her mother and brother were in difficulty off the Ladies slip in Tramore.

Pagers alerted the crew at 5.37pm and the D-class lifeboat — helmed by Dave O’Hanolan and with crew members Ronan McConnell, Noirin Phelan and Will Palmer onboard — launched minutes later at 5.42pm and made its way to the casualties reported position.

Weather conditions at the time were described as sunny and warm with two to three feet of surf and a brisk east to northeasterly wind.

On arrival, the lifeboat crew observed both casualties in the water with the male casualty keeping the female afloat. The mother and son had got caught in a rip current while swimming.

As they were close to the beach, two members of the public who spotted the pair in difficulty had gone into the water with a life ring and assisted in the recovery of the man while the woman was subsequently rescued by the lifeboat crew.

The Waterford-based Irish Coast Guard helicopter Rescue 117, which was on exercise just minutes away, attended and their winchman — a paramedic — was lowered onto the beach to assess the casualties. Both were found to be shaken but otherwise safe.

Speaking following the callout, Tramore RNLI helm Dave O’Hanolan said: “Time was of the essence this evening and we would commend the family member who raised the alarm and the members of the public who with safety in mind first, used a life ring before entering the water. The efforts of everyone this evening resulted in a life saved.

“As we continue to enjoy some good weather, we would encourage anyone planning a trip to the coast or an activity at sea to always go prepared by wearing a lifejacket or suitable flotation device and to always carry a means of communication.

“For swimmers or anyone getting into the water, we would remind people that rip currents can be difficult to spot but are sometimes identified by a channel of churning choppy water on the sea’s surface. Even the most experienced beachgoers can be caught out by rips.

“The best way to avoid them is to choose a lifeguarded beach and to always swim between the red and yellow flags which have been marked based on where is safer to swim in the current conditions. This also helps you to be spotted more easily should something go wrong.

“If you do find yourself caught in a rip, don’t try to swim against it or you will get exhausted. If you can stand, wade don’t swim. If you can, swim parallel to the shore until free of the rip and then head for shore or raise your hand and shout for help.”

Portrush RNLI was requested to launch by Belfast Coastguard at 8.13pm on Friday evening (9 June) to reports of a person cut off by the tide while climbing around the base of Benbane Head.

The all-weather lifeboat and crew under coxswain Johnny Weston launched at 8.35pm to the scene in perfect weather and sea conditions.

They were guided to the casualty by HM Coastguard who were on the cliffs above the scene.

The volunteer lifeboat crew launched the Y boat from the all-weather lifeboat and were able to rescue the person from the pebble beach underneath the cliff, returning to harbour at 9.20pm.

The individual wasn’t injured and was very grateful for the speedy assistance

Charles Grossie, deputy launching authority at Portrush RNLI said: “This was a classic shout for our crew, the volunteer crew launched into a calm sea and a beautiful Portrush evening and were able to arrive on scene very quickly and rescue the person from the base of the cliff and bring him back safely to Harbour.

“As we are now entering our busy summer season, we would ask people [in Northern Ireland] if they see anyone in difficulty to dial 999 and ask for the coastguard.”

The volunteer lifeboat crew with Arklow RNLI launched in the early hours of Thursday morning (8 June) to reports of a vessel in difficulty some 10 miles south-east of the Co Wicklow town.

In a northeasterly wind with a 1.2-metre wave height, the all- weather Trent class lifeboat Ger Tigchlear made its way to the reported position and once on scene, the lifeboat crew confirmed that the sailboat had suffered engine failure.

It was decided to put a lifeboat crew member onboard the vessel to assist the lone sailor with rigging and running the towline.

Once this was done, the lifeboat took the casualty vessel under tow and returned to the nearest port of Arklow, arriving at 9am.

The Arklow lifeboat crew on this callout were coxswain Ned Dillon and crew members Craig O’Reilly, John Tyrrell, Dave Molloy, Ken O’Toole, Josh McAnaspie and James Russell.

Following the callout, volunteer lifeboat press officer Mark Corcoran said: “It’s been a busy couple of days at Arklow. It is great to see the training that we do paying off, in the assistance we are providing.

“Given the recent good weather, we are reminding everyone to stay safe and respect the water.”

Just two days after their back-to-back medevac shouts, the volunteer crew at Aran Islands RNLI were tasked on Bank Holiday Monday afternoon (5 June) to launch their all-weather Severn class lifeboat by the Irish Coast Guard as a person was in need of medical attention on the island of Inis Mór.

The lifeboat launched under coxswain Aonghus Ó hIarnáin and a full crew, who transferred the patient safely aboard the lifeboat and brought them straight to Rossaveal harbour. Conditions at the time of launching were good with calm seas and a light breeze.

The second call to launch came at 6.37pm for a person who needed further medical attention after a fall on Inis Mór. The patient was transferred safely aboard the lifeboat by the volunteer crew after being brought to the pontoon by members of the fire brigade.

Speaking after the callouts, Aran Islands RNLI volunteer press officer Lena O’Connell said: “This was a very busy weekend for the volunteer crew, but they never hesitate to answer their pagers and to help anyone in need, this is what they train for. We wish both patients a speedy recovery.

“As we head into the summer months, we advise the public to always pay heed to safety advice and if going out on the water, let someone know where you are going and when you are due back.”

On Saturday afternoon (3 June), Valentia Coast Guard requested Lough Derg RNLI to launch to assist two people on a 15ft speedboat that had suffered damage to one of its propellers and was at anchor three miles south of Terryglass Bay.

At 4.03pm the inshore lifeboat Jean Spier launched with helm Owen Cavanagh and crew Tom Hayes, Chris Parker and Joe O’Donoghue on board. The wind was easterly Force 2 and visibility was very good.

At 4.18pm the lifeboat located the casualty vessel at anchor near Kilgarvan Bay. The lifeboat made a cautious approach and once alongside established that both people on board were safe and unharmed.

Given the location and hot weather, the helm made the decision to take the vessel under tow to safe harbour at Kilgarvan Quay.

Peter Kennedy, deputy launching authority at Lough Derg RNLI advises boat users “to remain with the navigation channel, and in warm weather remember to take plenty of water for your journey”.