Tramore RNLI rescue exhausted swimmer in early hours

Saturday 14 June 2025

The volunteer lifeboat crew launched at approximately 5.20am this morning (Saturday 14 June), following a report of an exhausted swimmer in difficulty clinging to rocks in Tramore Bay.

Credit: Tramore RNLI

The crew were tasked by the Irish Coast Guard who had received a report of a person in distress in Tramore Bay. The inshore lifeboat launched minutes later with Crew Members David O’ Hanlon (helm), Nóirín Phelan (crew), and Ronan McConnell (crew).

The crew discovered the swimmer clinging to a rock surrounded by water, having become exhausted while swimming and unable to return to shore. They were approximately 50m from the Guillamene platform in Tramore Bay and had been heard by a passerby when shouting for help, who made the 999 call to the Coast Guard.

The crew brought the casualty safely onboard and carried out a casualty care assessment. The swimmer was very cold and fatigued from the effects of cold-water exposure. The lifeboat transferred the person ashore to the care of the National Ambulance Service, and they were taken to University Hospital Waterford for further medical evaluation.

Clive Smith, Lifeboat Operations Manager at Tramore RNLI, said:

‘We are very relieved that this rescue had a successful outcome, due to the quick thinking of the passerby to call 999 and ask for the Coast Guard.

‘We urge everyone entering the sea to check the conditions, never swim alone, and always let someone know your plans. The sea is powerful, and cold-water shock can quickly impair even the strongest swimmers.

‘If you ever spot anyone in difficulty in the water, call 999 and ask for the Coast Guard.’