Two Paddleboarders Rescued by Tramore RNLI After Being Blown Offshore
- Pat Nolan
- 7 hours ago
- 2 min read
Tuesday 14 July 2026
Two paddleboarders were rescued by Tramore RNLI on Monday evening after becoming stranded in strong offshore winds in Tramore Bay.
The volunteer lifeboat crew was already on a training exercise on the far side of the bay when they were tasked by the Irish Coast Guard at 7.55pm following reports that the pair were in difficulty.
Helmed by Fergal McGrath, with crew members Nóirín Phelan, Ward Griffin and Will Palmer onboard, the lifeboat made its way across the bay and located the paddleboarders in a bay west of Great Newtown Head.
The two had been unable to make any headway against a strong north-easterly offshore wind. Realising they could not safely continue, they sought shelter from the wind and used a mobile phone stored in a waterproof pouch to call for assistance.
Both paddleboarders were wearing lifejackets and remained with their boards while awaiting help.
After assessing the situation, the RNLI crew brought both people and their paddleboards safely aboard the lifeboat. Although tired from their ordeal, neither required medical treatment.
Speaking after the rescue, Tramore RNLI Helm Fergal McGrath praised the pair for acting quickly when conditions deteriorated.
"The paddleboarders made the right decision when they realised they couldn't make progress against the wind," he said. "Conditions were challenging at the time. They sought shelter and called for help before they became cold and exhausted."
Mr McGrath also reminded people planning to head out on the water to check weather forecasts and wind direction before setting off.
"We would encourage anyone going afloat to check the weather and wind direction, wear a suitable lifejacket or buoyancy aid and carry a means of calling for help in a waterproof pouch. If you see somebody in difficulty or get into difficulty yourself, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard."
The RNLI says the incident highlights the importance of being prepared before taking to the water, particularly when offshore winds can quickly carry paddleboarders away from shore.
