Fenit RNLI Diverted During Training Following Report of Overdue Swimmer
- Pat Nolan
- 8 hours ago
- 2 min read
Wednesday 17 June 2026
FENIT, Co Kerry - Fenit RNLI's inshore lifeboat was diverted from a routine training exercise on Monday evening (15 June) following reports of a swimmer believed to be overdue off Fenit Island Beach, locally known as the Back Beach.
The volunteer crew were tasked by the Irish Coast Guard at 8.13pm after a concerned member of the public raised the alarm when a number of personal items were observed on the shore and fears grew for the swimmer’s safety.
The inshore lifeboat, helmed by Padraig Brick with crew members Linda O’Loughlin and Shane Mulcair onboard, was already conducting a training exercise within Fenit Harbour and immediately made their way to the scene.
Conditions at the time were described as choppy, with a south-westerly Force 3 wind.
As the lifeboat crew arrived on scene, they received an update confirming that the swimmer had been located safe and well. The lifeboat was subsequently stood down and returned to its training exercise.
Speaking after the callout, Fenit RNLI Helm Padraig Brick praised the actions of the member of the public who raised the alarm.
"This proved to be a false alarm with good intent this evening, 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 – we would much rather launch and find all is well than not launch at all,” he said.
“We would also like to thank our colleagues in the Coast Guard and Banna Sea Rescue who were also training in the area at the time.”
Mr Brick also used the opportunity to remind swimmers of key water safety advice.
“We would encourage anyone planning a dip or swim 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. Should you get into difficulty or see someone in trouble, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.”
The incident concluded safely, with all emergency response assets stood down after confirmation that no person was in danger.
