NI-Rescue

Irish Coast Guard and RNLI issue water safety plea as callouts to Open Water swimmers increase Over the past number of weeks, there has been a noted increase in the number of incidents in relation to open water swimming resulting in increased demands being placed on SAR organisations including Coast Guard and RNLI. Over the past week eight separate incidents arose in the Dublin Wicklow area a...

Amazing live-bait rescue of a swimmer about to be washed onto the rocks by the crew of Portrush RNLI lifeboat.

mark smyth on Twitter “1/2 What a fantastic effort from great rescue! https://t.co/of8AYdWIvT”

HOW TO TREAT A JELLYFISH STING
1.Ensure you don’t get stung yourself when aiding others

2. Remove any attached tentacles with a gloved hand, stick, or towel (none of these available use your fingertips)

3. Do not rub the affected area (this may result in further venom release)

4. Rinse the affected area copiously with sea-water (do not use fresh water, vinegar, alcohol or urine)

5. Apply a ‘dry cold pack’ to the area (i.e. place a cold pack or ice inside a plastic bag and then wrap this package in a t-shirt or other piece of cloth)

6. Use HOT WATER for Portuguese Man o’ War stings at approximately 45° Celsius for 20 minutes

7. Seek medical attention if there is anything other than minor discomfort. If the patient is suffering from swelling, breathing difficulties, palpitation or chest tightness then transfer to the nearest emergency department urgently

(information from watersafety.ie)

Here's some useful information about the most common jellyfish around our shores:

Well done to the RNLI, and all credit to the kayaker. We've noticed that British Canoeing and Canoe Association NI have a comprehensive system of coaching and training that develops competent water users. We wish the jet-skier a speedy recovery.

Donaghdee RNLI volunteer crew launched their all-weather lifeboat this afternoon
( 25 June ) at the request of UK Coastguard after reports of a person in the water following a jetski incident at Millisle, Co. Down.

At 1.45pm UK Coastguard requested Donaghadee RNLI all-weather lifeboat launch after reports from a member of the public that a person had come off their jetski and was in the water approximately 200 yards from the lagoon in Millisle and being carried further out to sea.

Launching at 1.53pm the volunteers of lifeboat Saxon, made full speed in slight sea conditions with a light northwesterly wind and excellent visibility. A local kayaker assisted the casualty while the lifeboat was enroute. Two members of the public also attempted to swim out and assist but conditions prevented them from doing so.

Arriving onscene at 2pm with the inflatable daughter lifeboat at the ready, Saxon got as close as possible in shallow waters with close proximity to rocks, the crew attracted the attention of the kayaker who brought the casualty alongside the lifeboat where he was stabilised and brought onboard. He was assessed by a crew member and given casualty care as he was feeling the affects of the cold water. He was transferred to the care of the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service in Donaghadee Harbour. Air Ambulance was also on scene.

Philip McNamara, RNLI Coxswain at Donaghadee said ‘ We would not advise the public to attempt a rescue themselves in these situations as it puts them at risk also, the best thing you can do is always dial 999 and ask for the coastguard as quickly as possible. We extend our thanks to the kayaker who undoubtedly was instrumental in keeping the gentleman afloat while we were enroute. We cannot stress enough the importance of wearing a properly fitted lifejacket and suitable clothing when going out onto the sea – they can safe your life when the unexpected happens. We wish the gentleman a speedy recovery ‘

Courses - Valkyrie Craft The following courses are available: Build your own greenland style skin-on-frame sea kayak. Make your own Canadian Canoe Paddle. Make your own greenland sea paddle. Course tend to be run on an on demand basis. Upcoming courses are usually advertised … Continue reading →