Wicklow RNLI lifeboats launch following reports of swimmers in difficulty at Blainroe
Thursday 5 November 2026
Wicklow RNLI volunteers launched both their inshore and all-weather lifeboats on Sunday morning (1 November) following reports of swimmers in difficulty at Blainroe.
The alarm was raised after two people entered the water for a morning swim. A short time later, one of the swimmers got into difficulty, while the other managed to make it safely ashore and raise the alarm. Another person, wearing a buoyancy aid, subsequently entered the water to assist the swimmer.
Wicklow RNLI’s inshore lifeboat, Dennis-Audrey, under the command of Helm Mark Kavanagh, with volunteer crew members Stephen Corcoran and Lorcan Hickey, was first on scene, arriving off Blainroe at 10.12am.
The all-weather lifeboat crew arrived shortly afterwards and stood by while the inshore crew made their way towards the beach.
Conditions at the time were north-westerly winds of Force 4, with a slight sea swell and good visibility.
As the inshore lifeboat crew approached the beach, they located both people making their way back onto the shore. The crew immediately carried out casualty care assessments on both individuals.
A stretcher was transferred from the all-weather lifeboat for the swimmer who had initially got into difficulty. The casualty was subsequently transferred to the Irish Coast Guard helicopter, Rescue 116, which had landed on a nearby golf course, before being airlifted to hospital.
The person who had entered the water to assist was handed into the care of the National Ambulance Service and also transported to hospital.
The Irish Coast Guard helicopter Rescue 116 from Dublin, the National Ambulance Service and local Coast Guard shore units had all been deployed to the incident.
With the operation complete, both lifeboat crews returned to Wicklow Harbour, arriving at 11.35am.
Speaking following the call-out, Adrian O’Connor, Wicklow RNLI Launch Authority, said:
“We wish both people a speedy recovery after their ordeal. Thankfully, the quick action of the person with the buoyancy aid ensured a positive outcome.
“This was also the first shout for Stephen Corcoran and Lorcan Hickey, two of our newest volunteer crew members, who got the opportunity to put their training into practice.
“We are proud of how they handled a challenging first call-out, gaining valuable experience alongside the rest of the crew today.”
