Lifeguards are being hailed for their quick thinking and bravery after rescuing five individuals in two separate rip current incidents off Inchydoney beach, one of Cork’s most popular beaches.
These potential tragedies were averted at Inchydoney beach on the bank holiday Monday, highlighting the critical importance of choosing lifeguarded beaches for swimming, according to the Inchydoney Inshore Lifeboat Association.
The first rescue unfolded around 4:25 PM when a lifeguard patrolling the eastern beach spotted two young men struggling against a rip current offshore.
The lifeguard immediately entered the water, utilizing a rescue board to reach the swimmers, who were beyond their depth and struggling to return to shore.
The Inchydoney Inshore Rescue Boat (IRB), carrying a crew of two, was deployed to assist the lifeguard, who had by this point reached the distressed swimmers.
The lifeguard effectively used the rescue board to help the swimmers escape the rip current, guiding them to a nearby sandbank where they could stand safely.
The IRB remained on standby as the lifeguard completed the rescue operation, after which the swimmers were escorted to the lifeguard station for a medical assessment. Fortunately, they did not require any medical attention.
Following the rescue, the IRB conducted a brief patrol before returning to the eastern beach, where it remained on alert.
High tide had occurred around 2 PM, and reports indicated a two to three-foot swell with a noticeable rip tide. However, conditions were not deemed severe enough to warrant raising red flags.
However, the alarm was raised again at approximately 5:30 PM. A lifeguard on duty on the eastern beach noticed an adult male and two children experiencing difficulties in a rip current, located close to the site of the earlier incident.
The lifeguard entered the water and was quickly joined by two more lifeguards. Simultaneously, the IRB was launched, with a driver and a lifeguard onboard to provide additional support.
The three lifeguards worked together to rescue the man and the two children from the grip of the rip current, successfully assisting them back to the safety of the shore.
The rescued individuals were taken to the lifeguard station for assessment. They were understandably shocked and shaken, but once again, no medical intervention was needed. Following this second incident, the lifeguards raised the red flag at the eastern beach, effectively closing the sea to swimmers.
The Inchydoney lifeboat has commended the lifeguards for their swift actions and unwavering professionalism.
“Thankfully, these incidents concluded positively, emphasizing the absolute necessity of swimming at beaches with lifeguard supervision,” the association stated.
“Please prioritize water safety this summer. Always swim within the designated red/yellow flags and heed the advice provided by the lifeguards.”
Lifeguards, employed by Cork County Council, are stationed at 12 beaches across Cork from 10:30 AM to 7 PM daily until the end of August. Coverage will be available on weekends only during September.
