A windsurfer who was reported to have gotten into difficulty on Lough Derg near Mountshannon this after made is ashore safely as a rescue operation was being mounted.
The Lough Derg RNLI lifeboat was tasked shortly before 4.30pm after a member of the public reported seeing the windsurfer in difficulty outside Mountshannon Harbour.
Watch officers at the Irish Coast Guard’s marine rescue coordination centre on Valentia Island in Kerry requested the Lough Derg volunteer lifeboat crew to launch and make their way to the location.
As the RNLI volunteer crew assembled at the station to launch, the lifeboat was stood down after the person was confirmed to have made it ashore safely.
Aoife Kennedy, Launching Authority with Lough Derg RNLI said: “This was a false alarm but with good intent. Our thanks to the public for their vigilance.’
Aoife added: “We would like to remind everyone, if you find yourself unexpectedly in the water, remember the 4-Step technique of ‘Float to Live ‘ – resist the natural instinct to thrash or swim hard, which drains your energy and triggers panic.
Instead, follow these steps:
- Tilt your head back with your ears submerged to keep your airway clear.
- Relax and try to breathe normally to overcome the initial gasping response of cold-water shock.
- Gently move your hands and legs to help maintain balance (it is completely normal if your legs sink, as everyone floats differently).
- Call for help or swim to safety only once your breathing is under control.
If you see a person in difficulty in the water dial 112 or 999 and ask for the Coast Guard.”
