RNLI chief: look out for one another in Clare waters this summer

FOLLOWING a busy May Bank Holiday weekend, the new volunteer Lifeboat Operations Manager at Kilrush RNLI Shawna Johnson has appealed to the public to look out for one another in Clare’s waters this summer.
“Summer brings more people to the coast, which means more emergency call outs and Kilrush RNLI remains ready to launch should they be required,” said Shawna.
This weekend, Kilrush RNLI volunteers launched on two occasions to assist a disabled fishing vessel and a capsized kayaker.
On Friday, a fishing vessel with two people onboard called for help after its propeller had become tangled in lobster pots north of Loop Head Lighthouse.
Kilrush RNLI located the disabled vessel and took it on tow to Carrigaholt Pier, a distance of approximately 11 nautical miles.
On Sunday, volunteers responded to a report that a kayaker had capsized and was unable to recover themselves back into their kayak.
A concerned onlooker spotted the casualty in Rinneville Bay, north west of Kilcredaun Lighthouse as they were swimming beside their kayak while making their way to shore.
Volunteers arrived on scene and located the casualty a few metres from the shore. As Kilrush RNLI’s inshore lifeboat was restricted by depth, Kilkee Coast Guard shore based unit assisted the casualty to safety from the shore.
It has been a busy start in her new role for Shawna, appointed in April, overseeing three call outs since taking over the helm.
Shawna is not a stranger to the station, having served in the role of Deputy Launching Authority prior to her new position.
As Lifeboat Operations Manager, Shawna will now be responsible for managing all operational activities at the RNLI station, as well as authorising lifeboat launches.
“We are fortunate to have such a dedicated team of volunteers at Kilrush Lifeboat Station who are ready to drop everything at a moment’s notice to save lives at sea.”
“Following a busy Bank Holiday weekend we continue to urge anyone who sees somebody in trouble in the water or along the coast to use VHF Ch 16 or Dial 112 or 999 and ask for the Coast Guard.”