Wicklow RNLI Launched In Multi-Agency Response To Swimmer in Difficulty at Magheramore
- Pat Nolan
- Jul 12
- 2 min read
Sunday 12 July 2026
Wicklow RNLI volunteers launched both the station's all-weather and inshore lifeboats on Saturday afternoon (11 July) following reports of a swimmer in difficulty at Magheramore.
Speaking after the callout, Wicklow RNLI Lifeboat Press Officer Connie O'Gara praised the coordinated emergency response.
"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. If you see someone in difficulty in the water, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard."
The incident highlights the importance of a rapid, coordinated response between the RNLI, Irish Coast Guard, National Ambulance Service and Coast Guard volunteers in bringing potentially life-threatening situations to a safe conclusion.
The alarm was raised at approximately 3.30pm when the Irish Coast Guard received reports of a person in difficulty in the water. In addition to Wicklow RNLI, the Irish Coast Guard helicopter Rescue 116 from Dublin, National Ambulance Service personnel and local Coast Guard units were tasked to the incident.
The volunteer crew launched the all-weather lifeboat RNLB Bridie O'Shea within 10 minutes of the alert, with the inshore lifeboat Dennis-Audrey following shortly afterwards. The all-weather lifeboat arrived on scene around 20 minutes later in slight to moderate seas and a light north-easterly breeze.
On arrival, crews discovered that two people had managed to scramble onto rocks after one of them got into difficulty in the water. The second casualty had entered the water to assist the first but both became stranded on the rocks and were unable to move any further.
Working alongside Rescue 116, a decision was made to airlift both casualties from the rocks and transfer them safely back to the beach.
Both Wicklow RNLI lifeboats remained on scene throughout the operation to support the rescue. Once the casualties were safely ashore, the lifeboats were stood down and returned to Wicklow Harbour.
Speaking after the callout, Wicklow RNLI Lifeboat Press Officer Connie O'Gara praised the coordinated emergency response.
"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. If you see someone in difficulty in the water, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard."
The incident highlights the importance of a rapid, coordinated response between the RNLI, Irish Coast Guard, National Ambulance Service and Coast Guard volunteers in bringing potentially life-threatening situations to a safe conclusion.
