Achill Island RNLI volunteer crew come to aid of 3 paddleboarders at Keem Bay

The alarm was raised after a lifeguard at the beach noticed the 3 paddleboarders were taking a long time to return from Moyteoge Head and he became worried about them due to the off-shore easterly breeze at the idyllic Keem Bay. The Sligo-based Irish Coast Guard helicopter, Rescue 118, was also requested to assist. The all-weather lifeboat ‘Sam and Ada Moody’ launched shortly after 3pm with a crew of 6 on board under the command of Declan Corrigan, Coxswain. Weather conditions were sunny with flat calm sea conditions at the time.

The lifeboat made haste in a north easterly direction towards Keem Bay. By the time the lifeboat arrived on scene, one paddleboarder had managed to make their way back to shore while the other two were assisted by a local fishing boat who came to their aid prior to the arrival of the lifeboat.

Speaking after the call out, Achill Island RNLI Coxswain, Declan Corrigan, said: “The paddleboarders had made the right decision to come to a lifeguarded beach and as a result, the quick-thinking lifeguards on duty called the Coast Guard for additional help prior to attempting to reach the paddleboarders themselves. Thankfully, the situation had a very happy ending for everyone concerned and we would like to thank everyone involved for their help and assistance. We remind people to never hesitate to call 999 or 112 if they see someone in difficulty in the water. It is never a waste of resources and our crew will always respond when requested.”

Ends

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For more information, please contact Eilish Power, Achill Island RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 0872075203, email [email protected], or Nuala McAloon, RNLI Regional Communications Manager on 087 648 3547 or email [email protected] or Niamh Stephenson, RNLI Regional Communications Lead on 087 1254 124 or [email protected] or Treasa Ni Bhraonain, RNLI Communications Placement on 0874764436 or [email protected].

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The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around Ireland and the UK. The RNLI operates 46 lifeboat stations in the Irish region. The RNLI is independent of Coast Guard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service.

RNLI at 200

In 2024, the RNLI celebrates 200 years of saving lives at sea – thanks to volunteers giving their time to save others, all funded by voluntary public donations. Throughout its 200^th anniversary year, the charity is running events and activities to commemorate its history, celebrate the lifesaving service it provides today, and inspire generations of future lifesavers and supporters. For more information visit RNLI.org/200.

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,700 lives.

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Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.