Skerries RNLI rescues kite surfer near Rush yesterday afternoon

Skerries RNLI volunteers rescued a kite surfer that got into trouble near Rush yesterday afternoon.

A Skerries RNLI spokesperson said that the crew “launched their Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat “Louis Simson” shortly after 1.30pm yesterday after Dublin Coast Guard had received numerous 999 calls reporting a kite surfer in difficulty off the beach south of Rush point.

“The lifeboat rounded the headland at red island and navigated their way beyond the islands and towards Rush south beach.

“Almost immediately after arriving on scene one of the volunteer crew spotted the casualty in the water.

“The casualty, a male, was floating on his board and attempting to make his way ashore. He was taken on board the lifeboat and assessed for any injuries.

“At the same time the Coast Guard helicopter Rescue 116 arrived on scene.

“The casualty required no further medical assistance and it was decided to bring him back to shore in Rush Harbour.

“However, as the lifeboat approached the entrance to the harbour, it became apparent that the direction of wind and tide was resulting in a large surf running directly into the harbour at rush.

“The helm decided that it was too much of a risk to enter the harbour.

“The casualty was instead returned safely to shore at the lifeboat station in Skerries.

“When the lifeboat had been recovered to station and made ready for the next call out, one of the volunteer crew then gave the casualty a lift back to Rush by car.

“At the time there was a force four south easterly wind blowing and a moderate sea swell.”

Speaking about the call out, volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for Skerries RNLI, Gerry Canning said: “The sea and the weather can both be unpredictable, and even the more experienced can occasionally be unfortunate enough to be caught out. T

“Thankfully a member of the public saw the potential for the situation to worsen and called the Coast Guard on 999.”