Fenit RNLI is commending a member of the public who raised the alarm after they became concerned for the safety of a swimmer.
The call turned out to be a false alarm, but Fenit RNLI say it was made with good intent.
Fenit RNLI says making the call if you are concerned is always the right thing to do.
On Monday evening Fenit RNLI was diverted from a routine training exercise, at the request of the Irish Coast Guard, after a swimmer was thought to be overdue off Fenit Island.
The inshore lifeboat helmed by Padraig Brick and with crew members Linda O’Loughlin and Shane Mulcair onboard, was requested at 8.13pm after the alarm was raised by a concerned member of the public.
Sea conditions were choppy and there was a south westerly Force 3 wind.
The swimmer was thought to be overdue at Fenit Island and concern was raised after a number of personal items were observed on the shore.
As the crew arrived on scene, they were updated that the swimmer had been located safe and well, and the lifeboat was subsequently stood down and returned to exercise.
Speaking following the call out, Fenit RNLI Helm Padraig Brick says this proved to be a false alarm with good intent but we want to commend the member of the public who raised the alarm as that is always the right thing to do if you think someone is in difficulty.
Mr Brick says they would much rather launch and find all is well than not launch at all.
He’s encouraging anyone planning to swim to to not go alone, to wear a bright coloured cap, have a tow float, and carry a means of communication such as a mobile phone in a waterproof pouch.
Anyone in difficulty or if you witness someone in trouble, call 999 or 112 and to ask for the Coast Guard.
