Dún Laoghaire RNLI Rescues Two Teenagers Cut Off by Rising Tide at Sandymount Strand
- Pat Nolan
- 7 hours ago
- 2 min read
Monday 22 June 2026
Volunteer crew from Dún Laoghaire RNLI rescued two teenagers who became stranded on a sandbank after being cut off by the rising tide at Sandymount Strand on Monday evening.
The alarm was raised at 5:01pm when Dún Laoghaire Coast Guard Unit tasked the lifeboat station to reports of two teenagers stranded on the strand. RNLI volunteers quickly assembled at the station's boathouse beside the East Pier, with helm Gary Hayes joined by crew members Dan Phillips and Simon Wall.
The station's D-class inshore lifeboat, Joval, launched just seven minutes later at 5:08pm and made its way across Dublin Bay towards Sandymount Strand.
Arriving on scene at 5:18pm, the crew located the teenagers on a sandbank running parallel to Beach Road. Following an assessment, the casualties were found to be safe and well, although they had wet shoes and damp trouser legs after being caught by the incoming tide.
The teenagers were provided with lifejackets and brought aboard the inshore lifeboat before being transported back to Dún Laoghaire lifeboat station, where a parent was waiting to meet them.
Following the rescue, the lifeboat returned to service, changing crew before proceeding to Bulloch Harbour in Dalkey for a scheduled joint training exercise with Dún Laoghaire Coast Guard Unit.
Aoife Ward, Lifeboat Press Officer at Dún Laoghaire RNLI, highlighted the importance of checking tidal conditions before visiting the strand.
"Sandymount Strand on a lovely sunny day is a fabulous natural attraction, but walkers and runners need to be mindful to check local tide times online before setting out," she said.
"Luckily, the teens were able to call for help with their mobiles, and our volunteer crew got to them in quick time."
The RNLI is reminding the public that if they see anyone in difficulty in the water or along the coast, they should dial 112 or 999 and ask for the Coast Guard.
