Dun Laoghaire RNLI is urging the public to be “water safety aware” as the warmer months approach.
Lifeboat crews at Dun Laoghaire RNLI have seen their launch requests significantly increase over the last twelve months as more people take up the hobby of sea swimming.
The station says it responded to more than 100 launch requests in 2020, an increase of over 100% on 2019.
RNLI also says that the introduction of the new cycle path and changes in local traffic system in Dun Laoghaire has affected its response times.
“Lifeboat crews are paged by the Coast Guard and must make their way to the station through the busy town of Dun Laoghaire to launch the lifeboats and answer the call for help.
“Crew can have limited information before they launch and treat every callout as an emergency. The public can help by being water safety aware.”
Common launch requests Dun Laoghaire RNLI received in 2020 were for swimmers in trouble, people cut off by the tide in Sandymount and boaters in difficulty.
The station hopes that if people are aware of the issues and what to do if they get into trouble before they engage in their chosen activity, then lives will be saved.
“If going on a coastal walk check the tide times and always dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard if you see someone in trouble on or near the water.
“For boaters always carry a means of calling for help and wear a lifejacket.
“The advice for swimmers is always check the weather forecast and tides, never swim alone and if possible, have somebody ashore who is familiar with your plans and can observe your progress.
The RNLI also says to only swim in sheltered areas and parallel to the shore, be visible to the shore by wearing a brightly coloured swim cap and acclimatise to cold water slower to reduce the risk of shock.
Stephen Wynne, Dun Laoghaire RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager said: “There are always challenges for lifeboat crews when responding to emergencies and our lifeboat crew have been meeting those challenges for almost two centuries.
“Covid has certainly seen an increase in numbers of people visiting the coast and taking up new interests including water sports.
“Our lifeboat volunteers have also had to deal with the effects of a new traffic scheme in the area to facilitate the works carried out under the Coastal Mobility Intervention which has added time to their journey to the station, particularly at busy times during the day.”