Wicklow RNLI launch to child afloat on an inflatable 250 meters offshore

Monday 11 August 2025

Wicklow RNLI volunteers launched the all-weather lifeboat on Saturday (09 August) after being paged by the Coast Guard who had received reports of a child on an inflatable 250 meters off shore in the Newcastle area.

File photo of Wicklow RNLI Lifeboat. Photo Credit: RNLI/Connie O' Gara

The Irish Coast Guard helicopter Rescue 116 from Dublin was also in the area having earlier conducted a training exercise with the all-weather lifeboat.

The crew pagers sounded at 4:42pm after the Coast Guard received reports of a child adrift on an inflatable at Newcastle.

The volunteer crew launched the all-weather lifeboat RNLB Bridie O’Shea shortly after under the command of Coxswain Nicky Keogh.

The volunteer crew made best speed towards the location, however they were stood down approximately 10 minutes after launching. Coast Guard helicopter Rescue 116 had also been tasked as it was still training in the area. The child was located by Rescue 116 and airlifted back to shore.

The volunteer crew returned to Wicklow harbour and made the boat ready for service.

Speaking after the callout Wicklow RNLI deputy lifeboat press officer said ‘The RNLI advise is to leave inflatables at home. Blow up toys and airbeds are designed for swimming pools and not the open sea. The RNLI urges against the use of inflatables as they can easily be swept out to sea. We would also 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.’