Dublin's hero lifeboat volunteers saved the life of a paddle boarder who got stuck in the Irish Sea and was showing signs of hypothermia.
The call was made to the Irish Coast Guard after a person passing by happened to spot the person struggling off the coast at Blackrock.
The person trapped at sea did not have any protective gear and had gotten into so much difficulty that if they had not been spotted there could have been a very different outcome.
Just before 7pm yesterday the lifeboat crew found the casualty exhausted having tried to paddle and swim back to shore. It was also determined that the casualty was showing signs of hyperthermia due to a long period in the cold sea.
They were then taken to hospital by the National Ambulance Service.
The Dun Laoghaire Coast Guard said: "No life jacket was worn by the casualty or proper clothing for the water. Without the member of the public seeing this person, they may not be here now. Please make sure to wear a life jacket at all times on the water, check the weather and seek some training or guidance in the use of the equipment your using."
Alan Keville, Dun Laoghaire RNLI's inshore lifeboat Helm at the time said: "The crew and I are very happy with the outcome of this evening’s callout having safely returned the casualty to shore and into the care of the National Ambulance service.
"Please if anyone is planning to enter the water for any kind of recreation to always wear a lifejacket or PFD (Personal Floatation Device) and to carry a reliable means of calling for help should the worst arise, always make sure to check the weather and tides before entering the water and never underestimate the sea and how quickly a situation can change when in it."
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