A rescue boat sped to the aid of a German family on one of Cork’s best known beaches as they got caught by a fast-rising tide.
A local had spotted the family-of-three attempting to cross from Muckross Strand to Inchydoney beach outside Clonakilty on Tuesday afternoon.
The local man warned the German visitors not to attempt to cross in that spot - known locally as the Diving Rock - which would see them face shifting mud banks just ahead of a strong, high-tide. He pointed out a safer spot to cross further up the estuary, Cork Beo reports.
Still concerned for the family’s safety - the local man contacted the Incheydoney Inshore Lifeboat - a locally run volunteer organisation that works closely with local Co Council Lifeguards and other first responders during the busy summer season on one of Cork’s most popular strands.
The local lifeguard station was also involved in coordinating the operation.
Inchydoney rescue boat Realt na hInse was immediately launched and made its way into the channel area to where the tourists were last seen. They were spotted crossing the channel in waist deep water ahead of a fast rising tide. The father and mother and a young boy were in distress in the fast rising waters but had not panicked.
The crew made contact with the family and stayed to make sure they could exit the water safely.
“It was a mother and father and a boy of around ten years of age,” John O’Sullivan of the Inchydoney inshore boat committee told CorkBeo.
“The tide was running strong at the time”.
“We would like to thank the member of the public, for his vigilance and his decision to contact the Lifeguards about his concerns. This area of Inchydoney is treacherous and is not safe for swimming.”
“The Lifeguards remain on duty 7 days a week during July and August. Inchydoney boat is also on duty as back up.”
“We work very closely with the lifeguards, the boat is stored just under the station and we have a slipway on the beach. We aim to be in the water within 90 seconds of the call,” said Mr O’Sullivan.
