Youghal RNLI’s volunteer crew were paged yesterday evening (Tuesday 18 August) to reports of a swimmer in difficulty around half a mile off shore at the East Cork town’s Front Strand.
As they launched the Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat in calm conditions at 8.23pm, the crew received a further report of a second swimmer entering the water to assist the first and getting into difficulty.
However, both swimmers managed to make it ashore without any assistance from the crew.
The lifeboat made a general search of the area before returning to the station.
“Swimming in open water is very different from swimming in a pool,” said deputy launching authority Mark Nolan.
“Unseen currents, cold water and waves make open water swimming more challenging. Even the strongest of swimmers can tire quickly.
“Remember to always tell someone where and when you are going swimming, and if you see anybody in trouble in the water call 112/999 and ask for the coastguard.”