Castletownbere RNLI Water Safety Team

02/10/2025

RNLI urges public to stay safe during Storm Amy

Ahead of Storm Amy, which is set to bring wet and windy weather tomorrow (Friday 3 October) and Saturday, the RNLI is urging those near the coast or inland waterways to be aware of the dangers the stormy weather could bring.

The strong gusts – predicted up to 80mph – pose a significant risk to safety and the lifesaving charity is urging the public to exercise extreme caution, particularly along exposed cliffs, seafronts, piers and waterside paths.

Linda-Gene Byrne, RNLI Water Safety Lead said: ‘Storm Amy is set to bring potentially dangerous conditions so we’re asking the public to stay vigilant. If you plan to visit the coast or a waterside location, we advise that you stay a safe distance from the water as conditions could knock you off your feet or wash you into the sea or water. A visit during weather conditions such as these is not worth risking your life for.

'If you find yourself in trouble in the water, remember to Float to Live: lie back in the water with your head so far back that your ears are wet, extend your arms and legs and try to relax as best as you can until you get control of your breathing. If you see someone else in danger in the water, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard. If you have something that floats that they can hold on to, throw it to them. Don’t go in the water yourself – you could end up in difficulty too.’

The RNLI's safety advice is:
 Stay well back from stormy, rough seas, cliff edges and any exposed waterside location
 Check the weather forecast and tide times before you go
 Take a fully charged phone with you and let someone know where you are going and when you are due back
 In an emergency, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard

24/07/2025

23/07/2025

Ahead of World Drowning Prevention Day this Friday (25th July), the Irish Coast Guard, RNLI and Water Safety Ireland are remembering all those who have lost their lives to the water.

The organisations are jointly appealing to everyone planning a trip on or near water to go prepared and help make sure everyone can come home safely.

To learn more visit 👇
https://watersafety.ie/world-drowning-prevention-day/

31/05/2025

We were delighted to have 4th class from Scoil Craoì Naofa visit the Castletownbere RNLI Lifeboat station yesterday Friday 29th May.
They were given a tour of the station and the lifeboat and we also had a chat about water safety.
It was a pleasure to have such wonderful curious and knowledgeable young minds at the station.
We hope you enjoyed your visit and learned something in the process.

29/05/2025

Water safety warning ahead of June Bank Holiday weekend
The Irish Coast Guard, RNLI and Water Safety Ireland are urging the public to take extra precautions in and around water over the June bank holiday weekend.
This warning is issued following a 10% increase in drownings so far this year, compared to the same period last year. With more people expected to visit beaches, lakes, and rivers over the long weekend, now is the time to prioritise safety and enjoy their time responsibly.
To stay safe, the public is advised to:
• Check the weather and tides before heading out and if walking the shoreline, be vigilant for incoming tides that can cause strandings
• Be aware of rip currents - strong currents can pull even the most experienced swimmers out to sea
• Swim with others, never alone
• Always swim within your depth and stay within your depth
• When on the water always wear a lifejacket or buoyancy aid
• Let someone ashore know of your plans and return time.
Kevin Whitney, Head of Operations Section at the Irish Coast Guard highlighted the alarming rise in drownings this year, stating: ‘In May 2025, the number of drownings has doubled compared to the same period in 2024, bringing tragic loss to families across the country. As the June bank holiday typically marks the start of summer celebrations for many, we are urging everyone to be mindful of the dangers, plan ahead, and follow the appropriate safety guidelines for your activity.’
For further water safety advice, visit https://watersafety.ie/
If you see somebody in trouble on the water or along the coast or think that they are in trouble, use marine VHF radio Ch 16 or dial 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.

14/05/2025

RNLI urges people to follow water safety advice as hot weather spell continues
With plenty of sunshine and more warm temperatures forecast for the coming days and on into the weekend, the RNLI is urging the public to follow their lifesaving advice if they are planning to be on or near the water.
The RNLI advice is to:
Always wear a lifejacket or suitable flotation device for your activity
Know how to float in an emergency
Always carry a means of calling for help such as a VHF radio or mobile phone in a waterproof pouch and keep it on you
Always check the weather forecast and tide times before venturing out
Always tell someone where you are going and when you are due back
If you see someone in trouble or get into difficulty yourself, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.
Linda-Gene Byrne, RNLI Water Safety Lead said: ‘With more hot weather forecast, we expect many people to head to the coast or our inland waterways to make the most of the fine conditions. In doing so, we are urging the public to remember some water safety advice which could be lifesaving. We want people to be aware of the dangers, to know their limits and to not take risks. Go with others and look out for each other. Make sure your phone is charged so you can call for help if you come across anyone who needs it.
‘Check the weather and tide times before you go – tides can go in and out very rapidly in some areas, causing people to become cut off, or quickly out of their depth – so find out the times of high and low tides before you set off.
‘Rip currents, which are channels of fast-flowing water running out to sea, can be difficult to spot and can catch out even the most confident and prepared swimmers. If you find yourself being swept out to sea in a rip, stay calm – don’t panic. If you can stand, wade. Don’t try to swim. Raise your hand and shout for help loudly. Don’t swim directly against the rip or you’ll get exhausted. Swim parallel to the beach until free of the rip, then make for shore.
‘If you find yourself unexpectedly in the water and in difficulty, know how to Float to Live. The best way to do this is to tilt your head back with your ears submerged. Try to relax and breathe normally. You can gently move your hands to help you stay afloat if you need to. Spread your arms and legs out to improve stability – and it's OK if your legs sink, we all float differently. Once your breathing is under control, call for help or swim to safety.’
For further information visit RNLI.org/safety.

02/05/2025

As the May bank holiday weekend approaches, the Irish Coast Guard, Water Safety Ireland and the RNLI are collectively urging the public to prioritise safety and be prepared for summer activities on or near the water.

👉Always wear a lifejacket and carry reliable communication devices
👉Inform someone about your planned route and expected return time
👉Never swim alone and always ensure your activity is monitored by a companion

If you see somebody in trouble on the water or along the coast, or think they are in trouble, use Marine VHF channel 16 or Dial 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.

01/05/2025

As the May bank holiday weekend approaches, Water Safety Ireland, the Irish Coast Guard, and the RNLI are collectively urging the public to prioritise safety and be prepared for summer ☀️ activities on or near the water 🌊

To read the full press release 👇
https://bit.ly/4jW0hQR

17/04/2025

🏊‍♀️⛵️ Easter is the time when sailors and motorboat users take their craft out of storage and begin their season.

Ahead of the Easter Bank Holiday Weekend, the Irish Coast Guard is asking people to stay safe when they visit the coast or plan an activity, on or near the water.

If you see somebody in trouble on the water or along the coast or think that they are in trouble, use marine VHF radio Ch 16 or dial 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.

17/02/2025

Castletownbere RNLI lifeboat launches in Force 7 winds to assist boat off West Cork Coast

Castletownbere RNLI were launched early this morning to go to the assistance a vessel taking water south of Blackball Head off the Beara peninsula.

Castletownbere lifeboat volunteer crew were requested to launch by Valentia Coastguard Marine Coordination Centre at 04:20 this morning to provide assistance to an 20-metre fishing boat, with two persons onboard, which was taking water and had lost power.

The lifeboat was launched at 04:30 under the command of Coxswain Marney O’Donoghue, mechanic David O’Donovan and crew Dean Hegarty, Joe Cronin and Andrew O’Neill.

When the lifeboat arrived onscene two miles south-west of Blackball Head, another local fishing boat was standing by. Conditions were described as Force 7 south- easterly winds and a 4 to 5 metre swell. At this stage, the boat had lost power and lifeboat crew managed to attach a towline in challenging conditions. The lifeboat slowly proceeded to tow the stricken vessel back to Castletownbere harbour where a local tug assisted with berthing the boat at the pier. The lifeboat was refuelled and ready for service again at 08:20.

Commenting on the callout Castletownbere RNLI Lifeboat Launching Authority, Brendan O’Neill, stated: ‘Given the poor weather conditions, the crew aboard the fishing boat made the correct decision to call for help immediately and we are glad that everyone is now ashore safe and well.

07/02/2025

22/01/2025

Ahead of Storm Éowyn which is set to bring wet and very windy weather starting tomorrow (Thursday) night, the RNLI is urging those near the coast or inland waterways to be aware of the dangers the stormy weather could bring.
The strong gusts pose a significant risk to safety and the lifesaving charity is urging the public to exercise extreme caution, particularly along exposed cliffs, seafronts, piers and waterside paths.
Linda-Gene Byrne, RNLI Water Safety Lead said: ‘Storm Éowyn is set to bring potentially dangerous and uncertain conditions so we’re asking the public to stay vigilant. If you plan to visit the coast or a waterside location, the RNLI advises that you stay a safe distance from the water as conditions could knock you off your feet or wash you into the sea or water. A visit during weather conditions such as these is not worth risking your life for.
'If you find yourself in trouble unexpectedly in the water, remember to Float to Live: lie back in the water with your head so far back that your ears are wet, extend your arms and legs and try to relax as best as you can until you get control of your breathing. If you see someone else in danger in the water, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard / Coastguard. If you have something that floats that they can hold on to, throw it to them. Don’t go in the water yourself – you could end up in difficulty too.’
The RNLI's safety advice is:
🛟Stay well back from stormy, wintery seas, cliff edges and any exposed waterside location
🛟Check the weather forecast and tide times before you go
🛟Take a fully charged phone with you and let someone know where you are going and when you are due back
In an emergency, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard / Coastguard.

🛑Status Red - Wind warning for Carlow, Kilkenny, Wexford, Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Waterford🛑

Met Éireann Weather Warning

Storm Éowyn: Gale to storm force southerly winds becoming westerly will bring severe, damaging and extremely destructive gusts in excess of 130km/h

Impacts:

• Danger to life
• Extremely dangerous travelling conditions
• Unsafe working conditions
• Disruption and cancellations to transport
• Many fallen trees
• Significant and widespread power outages
• Impacts to communications networks
• Cancellation of event
• Structural damage
• Wave overtopping
• Coastal flooding in low-lying and exposed areas

Valid: 02:00 Friday 24/01/2025 to 10:00 Friday 24/01/2025