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Tag Archives: RNLI

Brave Heroes Launch Lifeboat Appeal at Blackhead Lighthouse

THE miraculous rescue of two Galway cousins was recalled at Blackhead Lighthouse earlier this week at the official launch of a new fundraising appeal for the RNLI. Accompanied by their parents and friends, Ellen Glynn (17) and Sarah Feeney (23) from Knocknacarra in Galway came to the waters and the wild of the Burren to launch a Clare, Galway and nationwide appeal in support of the RNLI Lifeboats. As the two girls looked out from the Lighthouse at Blackhead with the wind and sea spray in their faces on Monday evening, they recalled it was a lot nicer to be looking out from the lighthouse than to be looking in while they were at sea waiting to be rescued. They were joined at the launch by Clare Champion managing director, John Galvin, who praised the RNLI for saving many lives each year through their dedication and tenacity. “We are delighted to join Ellen Glynn and Sarah Feeney in launching this …

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Green light for council beach toy ban

A BAN on the use of inflatable toys at Clare beaches and waterways is in the offing, as part of a review of bye-laws designed to improve safety. Mayor of Clare, Councillor Mary Howard, proposed updating the regulations to ban the toys. She described them as being “meant for the pool in Ibiza, not Ballyalla, Killaloe or Lahinch”. The motion, which received a warm welcome at the monthly meeting of Clare County Council, comes on foot of a number of near misses over the summer months when children got into difficulties. Over the summer, lifeguards around Clare and other coastal counties, reported a sharp rise in the use of air mattresses, inflatable rings and other toys. Councillor Howard said that despite the known dangers, many people were still buying the items because they were inexpensive and widely available. “It was just €5 in one shop last week for what was either an inflatable unicorn or a flamingo,” she remarked. The …

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RNLI need funding support to stay afloat

THE RNLI  Lifeboat fundraising schedule, like that of every other charity, has taken a big hit  over the past six months with little or no income coming in to keep the fleet afloat. Clare has been at the helm in fundraising down the years, and in coming up with new fundraising ideas to involve people in walks, rambles, cruises, concerts and many more events. Over the past six months, the lifeboats have been as busy as ever and have answered every call to save lives and bring people back to their homes and loved ones. The Burren Ramble, which takes place at this time every year, has to be called off as has the Cruise to Galway Bay from Doolin pier. The risk is too high in Clare to put anyone at risk. There are, however, some fundraisers still in the pipeline at present. West Clare man Tony Henchy from Derryard in Doonbeg is doing a 100-day consecutive swim in …

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Rescue services advise against water activities

In advance of the May bank holiday weekend the Irish Coast Guard and RNLI are appealing to the public not to take part in any water-based activity on or in the sea, while the Covid-19 restrictions are in place. Both organisations are concerned that as the restrictions continue, people may become complacent and be tempted to take to the water or proceed to coastal areas for recreation. However, it is crucial to continue to minimise the risk to Search and Rescue, volunteer crews, helicopter crew and other front-line emergency services, from being unintentionally exposed to Covid-19. RNLI and Coast Guard Search and Rescue services continue to be fully operational and on call 24/7. As the current COVID-19 restrictions continue to apply it is appreciated that people will want to get out for a break and take to the water if they are living or exercising near the coast or inland waters. However, both organisations are urging everyone to follow Government …

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Stay clear of the sea warning

  THE Irish Coast Guard and RNLI have cautioned that water-based activity on or in the sea should not take place while the current emergency restrictions are in place. Both organisations are highlighting the importance of minimising the risk to Search and Rescue (SAR) volunteer crews, Helicopter crew and other front-line emergency services, through being unintentionally exposed to COVID-19. RNLI and Coast Guard search and rescue services are fully operational but both organisations are urging everyone to follow Government instructions, which are clear – “stay home, protect frontline services and save lives”. While you are allowed out for daily exercise, we do not recommend that this exercise is on, or in the sea and all travel restrictions must be observed. SAR services, including RNLI lifeboat service, Coast Guard helicopter services and Coast Guard units, are still available but every callout has the potential to put additional pressure on SAR services and other front-line emergency services as well as potentially exposing …

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Missing man located in Kilrush

KILRUSH Gardai have acknowledged support from members of the public for their assistance and help in searching for a missing pensioner late on Monday evening. Gardai said that the elderly man “has now been located safe and well.” “Particular thanks to Kilrush GAA, Kilrush Chamber of Commerce. Special mention of thanks to the staff of SuperValu, Kilrush for staying open and providing torches to searchers,” the Garda statement added. The search was led by Gardai, along with the Coast Guard and Cappa based RNLI. The man lives in the town and he was reported missing on Monday evening.

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Stay safe at the seaside

The Irish Coast Guard and the RNLI have issued a joint appeal this Bank Holiday weekend for people to be vigilant and to take care on the water and along the coastline. It comes as both organisations note that August was the busiest month for coastal recreational incidents last year. Irish lifeboat crews last August alone responded 217 times to emergencies at sea. With the summer holidays in full swing, it has been a busy time for the search and rescue agencies and this Bank Holiday weekend, the two organisations are warning people to be vigilant and take heed of some simple safety advice. While summer air temperatures may be warm, Irish waters rarely exceed 15C, making them cold enough year-round to trigger cold water shock, which causes the instinctive reaction to gasp and swim hard, which can quickly lead to drowning. As part of its drowning prevention campaign, Respect the Water, the RNLI is calling on the public to …

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Duke of Kent visits Kilrush

THE Duke of Kent visited Kilrush RNLI station in Cappa on Tuesday as part of a two-day tour of lifeboat stations in Clare, Tipperary and Kerry. The Duke has been president of the RNLI since 1969. The 81-year-old arrived in Kilrush by helicopter, which landed in the local GAA field. There was a sizeable garda presence en route to Cappa and the roads were closed from shortly after 3pm, while Prince Edward was at the lifeboat station. His Royal Highness was greeted by the volunteer lifeboat operations team, lifeboat crew members and the local fundraising branch. As part of the visit, Kilrush RNLI showcased local Irish dancing, the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group, hand-crafted traditional Irish currach building and a selection of local pottery from the Brothers of Charity. The Duke was particularly taken with the display of brush dancing. Also in attendance were representatives from Kilrush GAA, focusing on the partnership between the GAA and RNLI working together to …

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