Arranmore RNLI carried out a life-saving training exercise yesterday, simulating the rescue of distressed swimmers at Boatstrand, Carrickfinn.
The exercise was prompted by a recent incident in which a man swimming at the popular west Donegal beach was pulled out to sea by unexpected currents.
The swimmer, described as “very experienced,” managed to reach nearby rocks, clinging on while awaiting rescue from a Coastguard search-and-rescue helicopter from Sligo.
The frightening incident led Arranmore RNLI’s Life Boat Operations Manager Jerry Early to organise the training exercise, aimed at better preparing both local sea swimmers and the volunteer lifeboat crew.
Mr Early also serves as a safety officer for the local sea swim group during their annual charity swim.
Charlie Boyle, a member of the Buoys and Gulls swim group at Boatstrand, spoke to the Donegal News ahead of the exercise about its importance.
He recalled the incident on the dark December evening last year, when a man swimming on the beach was dramatically pulled out to sea by a riptide.
He said the presence of swimmers from his group, who had just arrived for a charity swim event, spotted the man in distress and helped maintain contact as he waited for rescue.
Mr Boyle explained that on the basis of the near miss, Jerry Early decided to organise yesterday’s training exercise at the busy beach and tourist hotspot.
“It’s practice for the RNLI, but it also gives our swimmers valuable experience if they ever find themselves in danger at sea.”
Mr Boyle explained that calls for swimmer rescues are becoming more common as the sport grows in popularity.
“Throughout the years, the RNLI mainly dealt with boats and fishing vessels, but with the explosion of sea swimming as a past time, it’s becoming more and more a part of their work.”
He also emphasised the need for open water swimmers to understand the sea as tides, swells, and currents can all be deceptively dangerous.
Nora Flanagan, Press Officer at RNLI Arranmore Lifeboat, highlighted the value of such exercises for volunteer crew members.
“Our crews are always training in all aspects of saving lives at sea,” she told the Donegal News.
With summer approaching and good weather forecasted later this week, more people are expected to take to the water off our coast.
Ms Flanagan shared an important safety message from the RNLI’s Float to Live campaign, which offers five lifesaving steps for anyone in difficulty in the water.
The charity advise anyone struggling in the water to tilt their head back with their ears submerged, relax and try to breathe normally, and move their hands and feet to stay afloat.
It’s fine if the legs sink, as everyone floats differently. They also suggest practicing floating in a local pool if possible.
If you see someone else struggling in the water, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.