
Skerries RNLI volunteers launched their Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat on Saturday afternoon (23 July) after Dublin Coast Guard received a call from a concerned member of public about a swimmer in difficulty.
The lifeboat launched shortly after 12.30pm with Philip Ferguson at Helm and crewed by Emma Wilson, Steven Johnson and AJ Hughes. A member of the public had called Dublin Coast Guard and reported that a swimmer was having difficulty returning to shore at the swimming area known locally as The Captains.
The lifeboat was on scene in minutes, however there was no sign of any swimmers in the area. Before a search could be started Dublin Coast Guard received a second call to confirm that the swimmer had made it ashore and was safe and well. The lifeboat was stood down and returned to station.
Speaking after the call out, Gerry Canning, Lifeboat Press Officer for Skerries RNLI said: ‘The member of the public who called Dublin Coast Guard was genuinely concerned for the swimmer and was right to make the call. Thankfully in this case our assistance wasn’t required, but our volunteer crew are always ready to respond to anyone in difficulty at sea.’

Skerries RNLI launched on Thursday evening (21 July) after Dublin Coast Guard received a call from a vessel that had suffered engine failure near the islands off Skerries.
The lifeboat launched shortly after 4.30pm and proceeded to the general area indicated by the casualty vessel. Arriving on scene, the volunteer crew spotted the speedboat, which had been pushed on to the rocks at Colt island by the wind and tide.
The lifeboat was carefully positioned to transfer a crew member to the casualty vessel. A tow was established and the boat, with four men on board, was towed clear of the rocks into safer water. Upon inspection there did not appear to be any major damage to the hull so the tow was continued, returning them safely to Skerries harbour.
At the time there was a force 3 to 4 south westerly wind and a slight swell.
Speaking after the call out, Gerry Canning, Lifeboat Press Officer for Skerries RNLI said: ‘Thankfully the lifeboat reached them quickly as the situation was deteriorating quite quickly. However, all four were wearing lifejackets and crucially they were able to contact the shore for help.’
Skerries RNLI launched on Thursday evening (21 July) after Dublin Coast Guard received a call from a vessel that had suffered engine failure near the islands off Skerries.
The lifeboat launched shortly after 4.30pm and proceeded to the general area indicated by the casualty vessel. Arriving on scene, the volunteer crew spotted the speedboat, which had been pushed on to the rocks at Colt island by the wind and tide.
The lifeboat was carefully positioned to transfer a crew member to the casualty vessel. A tow was established and the boat, with four men on board, was towed clear of the rocks into safer water. Upon inspection there did not appear to be any major damage to the hull so the tow was continued, returning them safely to Skerries harbour.
At the time there was a force 3 to 4 south westerly wind and a slight swell.
Speaking after the call out, Gerry Canning, Lifeboat Press Officer for Skerries RNLI said: ‘Thankfully the lifeboat reached them quickly as the situation was deteriorating quite quickly. However, all four were wearing lifejackets and crucially they were able to contact the shore for help.’

Skerries RNLI launched on Monday afternoon (06 June) following reports to Dublin Coast Guard of a partially submerged object off Bremore point in Balbriggan
Skerries RNLI responded this afternoon (28 May) to reports of a motor boat experiencing engine difficulties and adrift approximately 4 miles east of Malahide estuary.

Skerries RNLI is looking for new volunteer crew members to join its search and rescue service in north county Dublin.
The station currently has 18 lifeboat and three shore crew to cover its service on the north east coast of Dublin but is now calling on new volunteers to come forward and find out how they can get involved in helping the charity continue to save lives at sea.
Skerries RNLI has over 100 years aggregate service and has been operating as an inshore lifeboat station for over 25 years. The Current Atlantic 85 lifeboat, "Louis Simson", placed on service 2013, provides cover for part of the east coast of Ireland.
Last year, the lifeboat in Skerries launched 10 times, bringing 16 people to safety.
Now, Niall McGrotty, Skerries RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager is calling on any volunteers who may be interested to get in touch and find out more:: ‘We are looking for anyone aged 17 years and over, working or living in Skerries who is willing to offer some of their free time to join what I believe to be, one of the most exhilarating and rewarding voluntary services that is out there. Ideally we are looking for volunteers with daytime availability. Every volunteer receives first class training from the RNLI and learns new skills which can benefit them in many walks of life. Lifeboat crew members need to have a reasonable level of fitness, have good eyesight and not be colour blind. Anyone who would like to volunteer but feels they would not meet the requirements for lifeboat crew should in no way be put off, as shore crew also play an essential role in the launch and recovery of the lifeboat when it goes on service’.
Anyone who feels they have the time and commitment to volunteer for the charity which is on call 24 hours a day and 365 days a year, is asked to contact the station at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Niall on 087 241 8967.

Skerries RNLI responded yesterday evening (15 May) to reports of a personal water craft in distress off the Martello tower in Loughshinny.
Dublin Coast Guard tasked Skerries RNLI just after 6pm, having receiving a 999 call about a person on a personal water craft who appeared to be signalling for help. The location was given as being in line with the Martello tower situated on a headland near Loughshinny harbour.
The lifeboat was launched with volunteer Eoin Grimes at the Helm and crewed by Emma Wilson, Steven Johnson and AJ Hughes.
Arriving on scene the crew quickly located the casualty, a 17 year old man, whose personal watercraft had encountered mechanical difficulties and was drifting. The man was taken on board the lifeboat and his vessel was taken under tow. He was returned to portmarnock beach where he had friends waiting to offer assistance. The lifeboat then returned to station.
Speaking after the call out, Niall McGrotty, Lifeboat Operations Manager for Skerries RNLI said: ‘With the good weather meaning more people are taking to the sea, we would like to remind people that it is advisable to have their vessels fully serviced after the winter and to always carry a means of contacting the shore.’

Skerries RNLI responded this afternoon (12 May) to reports of swimmers in difficulty off a local swimming area known as The Springers.
The pagers sounded shortly before midday after Dublin Coast Guard received reports that a number of swimmers were caught in a rip current and were unable to get back to shore.
Skerries RNLI volunteers launched the lifeboat with David Knight at the Helm and crewed by Philip Ferguson, Emma Wilson and AJ Hughes.
Arriving on scene the crew discovered that there were four casualties in the water spread over a large area in between Red Island headland and Colt Island. The lifeboat quickly began recovering the casualties into the lifeboat. With a large sea swell running and the casualties suffering from fatigue and early symptoms of hypothermia, it was necessary for one of our volunteers, Philip Ferguson to enter the water to assist them in getting on board.
Once all the casualties were on board the lifeboat returned to the station and recovered immediately to the warmth of the boathouse. Once inside the boathouse the casualties were monitored and treated for mild hypothermia but were all fit and well leaving the station.
Skerries Coast Guard unit and the Coast Guard helicopter Rescue 116 were also tasked. The helicopter stood by while the lifeboat recovered the casualties from the water.
Speaking after the call out, Gerry Canning, Lifeboat Press Officer for Skerries RNLI said: ‘Rip currents are a major cause of accidental drowning on beaches across the world. Even if you know an area well, the currents may change based on the weather and tides. The speed of response is crucial in cases like this and our volunteers did an excellent job in getting there as safely and quickly as possible. ’