Bangor Coastguard Rescue Team

29/05/2026

GROOMSPORT: SWIMMER RESCUED

Emergency services were tasked to a swimmer in difficulty off Groomsport Harbour, Co. Down, yesterday shortly after 7:00am following a 999 call to HM Coastguard from a member of the public.

Belfast Coastguard tasked Coastguard Rescue Teams from Bangor and Portaferry, alongside a Coastguard Incident Commander.

Bangor RNLI lifeboat was also requested to launch, with the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service responding to the scene.

On arrival, the Incident Commander developed an initial rescue plan involving extraction of the casualty from nearby rocks by the lifeboat crew.

However, due to the conditions at the scene, this was deemed unsafe and not feasible.

The Incident Commander, alongside a crew member from Bangor RNLI, entered the water to provide immediate support and reassurance to the casualty until additional resources arrived.

Bangor Coastguard Rescue Team then deployed their inflatable rescue raft to help stabilise the casualty in the water.

Working together, the RNLI crew member and two Coastguard Rescue Officers successfully rescued the casualty to shore, where they were transferred into the care of the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service.

HM Coastguard would like to thank all responding agencies for their professionalism and teamwork during this challenging incident.

Please remember these key safety tips when going open water swimming:

- Have an appropriate means of calling for help.

- Check the weather and tides, ensure your chosen location is safe for swimming, gain appropriate local knowledge, have the right equipment.

- Do not go alone.

- Tell someone on shore your plans and when you'll be back.

- Make sure you acclimatise to avoid cold water shock.

- Be seen. Wear a bright coloured swim hat and take a tow float.

- If in trouble in the water - Float to live.

In in an emergency at the coast dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard

*library picture

25/05/2026

Inflatables are great for the pool, but they’re not safe for the sea.

Even in light winds, they can quickly drift you out to sea and put you in danger.

If you’re heading to the beach this bank holiday, leave inflatables at home and save them for the pool instead.

In an emergency at the coast, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

22/05/2026

It's bank holiday weekend! 😀

Weather is looking good - especially into next week as Barra Best is reporting (blame him if it doesn't happen!)

We want people to enjoy our coastlines but please do take care - even if the air is warm the water is still very very cold 🥶

We are urging beachgoers to enjoy the nice weather safely and responsibly by following these key tips:

• Choose a lifeguarded beach and check the local signs ⚠️
• Have a chat to the lifeguards, ask about any specific risks there may be.
• Supervise children at all times and arrange a meeting point if you get separated 🧒
• Leave swimming pool inflatables at home - they are not suitable for the sea

For further information and more safety tips visit our website here: https://hmcoastguard.uk/on-the-beach

In an emergency, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard 📱

13/05/2026

📣 Attention all teachers 📣

Our good friends over at the RNLI are putting on Free Water Safety Webinars

For all post-primary schools - equipping young people for the summer ahead

The following dates and times over the next few weeks:

Wed May 20th 10am-11am
Thurs May 21st 10am-11am
Wed May 27th 10am-11am
Thurs May 28th 10am-11am

Book below and you will be sent a Microsoft Teams Link. You can simply dial in from your classroom / assembly hall.

www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/free-rnli-water-safety-webinar-for-secondary-schools-tickets-1983530526199

If you are having problems booking or want alternative times and dates, please contact [email protected]

What Will Be Covered:

• Top Tips – how to swim, paddleboard and enjoy watersports safely.

• Float to Live – the five simple steps to stay afloat if you fall into the water unexpectedly and survive Cold Water Shock

• Understand The Risks – rip currents, tides, offshore winds, and beach safety flags.

• Calling for Help – who to call (999 or 112) and what information to give.

• Live Q&A with RNLI experts including serving lifeboat crew.

PLEASE SHARE SO AS MANY TEACHERS AS POSSIBLE ARE AWARE OF THIS IMPORTANT INFORMATION

10/05/2026

This National Fishing Remembrance Day, we remember those who have lost their lives at sea and hold their families, friends and communities in our thoughts.

Fishing is a proud tradition that brings communities together and supports livelihoods across the UK.

28/04/2026

On Sunday Bangor and Portaferry coastguard rescue teams met in Comber to take part in a mud rescue exercise / revalidation.
This was taken by the area management team.

03/04/2026

In a coastal emergency, minutes matter. Could you tell someone exactly where you are if you or a loved one needed help?

When you call 999 and ask for the Coastguard, one of the first questions you’ll be asked is: “where are you?”. The moment you provide this information; the teams will dispatch the most appropriate responders. We have world-class systems to help us, but valuable time can be saved if you can give some location details.

There are very simple ways, as well as more advanced options, to help you stay safe and know your location.

• Before you leave: Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return.

• Safety signs and location: Look for local safety signs depicting beach names and location references. Take a picture of local landmarks such as car park names and buildings.

• Location apps: Know how to use your location apps. Many smartphones now have a Global Positioning System (GPS) installed which pinpoints geographical locations.

• Mobile phone: Make sure your mobile is fully charged, ideally in a waterproof case. It’s also worth taking a power pack so you can recharge your phone, especially if your activities involve heavy battery use.

If you can tell us exactly where you are, rescuers can be sent more quickly. It could save a life.

In an emergency at the coast, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

31/03/2026

New registration requirements for Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs) will come into force on 15 April 2026.

From this date, all current and new PLBs carried on board UK-flagged vessels, hovercraft and mechanically propelled watercraft must be registered. This requirement also applies when a PLB is discarded or changes ownership, and updated details must be provided.

These requirements bring PLBs in line with the registration rules that have applied to Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs) for the past 26 years.

UK Distress & Security Beacon Registry Manager Linda Goulding said: “The benefit of registering your PLB is simple: it gives yourself – and everyone you’re with – a headstart to being rescued from an emergency.

“The registration process is free, takes just 15 minutes, and could make the difference between life and death. You can do it at no cost online in time for the deadline of 15 April.

“HM Coastguard will react to every beacon alert we receive. Registering your PLB helps us quickly work out when it’s a false alarm with no one in danger; or to focus our resources when people in real distress and need our help. Help us to help you.”

14/03/2026