Rescued swimmer backs RNLI Christmas appeal after Dun Laoghaire lifeboat crew came to his aid

Dublin man Frank Crowe, who was rescued by Dun Laoghaire RNLI after he got into difficulty while swimming in Sandycove, has urged people to support the RNLI’s Christmas appeal.

Frank’s rescue happened in October 2018 but he has never forgotten the actions of the lifeboat crew that day and the service the RNLI provides around the Irish coast.

The lifesaving charity is launching their Christmas fundraising appeal after a challenging year dealing with the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

It was a beautiful crisp October morning in 2018 when Frank set off for his usual forty-minute swim from Sandycove.

The water looked deceptively calm but beyond the 40 foot it was choppy and Frank realised he was unable to get back to shore. 

Every time he tried to reach land, the force of the waves would pull him back out to sea.

The waves were quite high and Frank knew he was in trouble.

Thankfully someone on shore spotted him and raised the alarm.

He stayed calm and tried to go with the waves instead of fighting them and was able to float.

The Dun Laoghaire lifeboat came on scene and the volunteer crew pulled him to safety.

Commenting on his support for the RNLI’s Christmas appeal Frank said:

“I don’t think I would have made it back to shore without the lifeboat crew that day,” he said.

“All sorts of things were going through my mind while I was out there, I thought I would never again get to enjoy my post swim coffee.

“Thankfully there was a person watching out for me on shore and the RNLI were sent to rescue me. 

“I did everything I could to stay safe and wait for help but I know there are many other occasions where the lifeboat is responding to an incident where seconds count. 

I am delighted to support their appeal and share my gratitude to the  lifeboat crew who rescued me that day.”

RNLI lifesavers across 46 lifeboat stations in Ireland are prepared to rush out of the door at the sound of their pager, even during their Christmas dinner.

This year the charity has spent funds on PPE, including face masks, gloves and thousands of litres of hand sanitiser.

This is money the charity hadn’t budgeted for but needed to be spent to keep its lifesavers and the public protected during the coronavirus crisis.

As a charity, the RNLI relies on the support of the public to continue saving lives – and that support is needed now more than ever.

To make a donation to the RNLI’s Christmas Appeal visit: RNLI.org/Xmas