Bundoran RNLI assist body boarder in difficulty

The volunteer crew of Bundoran RNLI lifeboat were called out on Sunday evening (9 August 2015) to a body boarder in difficulty at Rossnowlagh Beach.

Following a 999 call to Malin Head Coast Guard, the crew were paged just before 7pm and were launched in just under 5 minutes from Bundoran pier. Shortly before 7.15pm they arrived on scene at Rossnowlagh where the body boarder, a male in his 50s, had made it to shore. Two of the lifeboat crew, one an EMT, went ashore to check the casualty out for injuries.  Moments later the Rescue 118 helicopter arrived from Sligo and landed on the beach and made the decision to airlift the body boarder to Sligo Regional Hospital.

Speaking on their return to the lifeboat station, Bundoran RNLI volunteer helm Elliot Kearns said “as the RNLI’s Respect The Water safety campaign begins in earnest, this evening’s incident is an example of how unforgiving the sea can be even on a moderately calm evening.  We’re thankful that the gentleman made it to shore and was checked out by the paramedics on board Rescue 118.’

Further safety information and details on the RNLI’s Respect The Water campaign are available at www.rnli.org/respectthewater     

---