Wicklow RNLI involved in multi-agency rescue of two paddleboarders
- Pat Nolan
- Jul 22
- 2 min read
Tuesday 22 July 2025
Wicklow RNLI volunteers launched both the inshore and all-weather lifeboats on Friday (18 July) after receiving reports of two paddleboarders in difficulty at Magheramore.
The Irish Coast Guard helicopter Rescue 116 from Dublin, the National Ambulance Service and local Coast Guard units were also deployed.
The crew pagers sounded at 10.45am after the Coast Guard received reports of two paddleboarders in difficulty in the water at Magheramore.
The volunteer crew launched the inshore lifeboat Dennis-Audrey and the all-weather lifeboat RNLB Bridie O’Shea within 10 minutes. They arrived on scene 10 minutes later in slight seas and in a light southerly breeze.
Once on scene, the crew found that the two paddleboarders had managed to scramble up some rocks but were unable to move any further.
With Rescue 116 also on scene, the decision was made for the paddleboarders to be airlifted from the rocks back down onto the beach.
Both lifeboats remained on scene while this operation took place. Once the casualties were safely landed on the beach a joint operation between the Coast Guard and lifeboats began to remove the paddleboards from the area. This was deemed the safest action to avoid any members of the public trying to retrieve the boards and also to help avoid any further call outs should they be spotted by vigilant members of the public.
The boards were removed from the rocks by the inshore lifeboat crew with the assistance of the Coast Guard land based team and then transferred to the all-weather lifeboat.
The casualties were assessed medically and found to be ok apart from a couple of scratches.
Speaking after the call out, Connie O’Gara, Wicklow RNLI Deputy Lifeboat Press Officer said: ‘This was a great example of multi-agency working resulting in the successful rescue of two casualties. We wish both casualties well and would remind the public, if going on the water to please wear a suitable flotation device and to ensure you have a means of calling for help should you get into difficulty. In an emergency, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.’
