Swimmer rescued off the Waterford coast after getting into difficulty
The swimmer was brought safely back to shore. Pic: Tramore RNLI Facebook
The volunteer lifeboat crew of Tramore RNLI launched at around 5.20am on Saturday, June 14, following a report of an exhausted swimmer in difficulty clinging to rocks in Tramore Bay.
In an online post on the organisation's social media page a spokesperson for the branch said the crew was tasked by the Irish Coast Guard who had received a report of a person in distress in the bay.
The inshore lifeboat launched minutes later with crew members David O’ Hanlon (helm), Nóirín Phelan (crew) and Ronan McConnell (crew) on board.
"The crew discovered the swimmer clinging to a rock surrounded by water, having become exhausted while swimming and unable to return to shore," said the spokesperson in the post.
The person was approximately 50m from the Guillamene platform in Tramore Bay and had been heard by a passerby shouting for help.
The passerby made the 999 call to the Coast Guard.
"The crew brought the casualty safely onboard and carried out a casualty care assessment," said the spokesperson, before adding: "The swimmer was very cold and fatigued from the effects of cold-water exposure."
The lifeboat transferred the person ashore to the care of the National Ambulance Service, and the person was subsequently taken to University Hospital Waterford for further medical evaluation.
Commenting on the incident, Clive Smith, Lifeboat Operations Manager at Tramore RNLI, said: ‘We are very relieved that this rescue had a successful outcome, due to the quick thinking of the passerby to call 999 and ask for the Coast Guard. ‘We urge everyone entering the sea to check the conditions, never swim alone, and always let someone know your plans."
"The sea is powerful, and cold-water shock can quickly impair even the strongest swimmers," said Mr Smith.
"If you ever spot anyone in difficulty in the water, call 999 and ask for the Coast Guard."
