17/06/2026
RNLI respond to false alarm with good intent following report of swimmer thought to be overdue
Fenit RNLI was diverted from a routine training exercise on Monday evening (15 June) at the request of the Irish Coast Guard after a swimmer was thought to be overdue off Fenit Island Beach, locally known as the “Back Beach”.
The inshore lifeboat helmed by Padraig Brick and with crew members Linda O’Loughlin and Shane Mulcair onboard, was requested at 8.13pm after the alarm was raised by a concerned member of the public. The lifeboat crew who were training within Fenit Harbour at the time, immediately made their way to the scene. Sea conditions were choppy and there was a south westerly Force 3 wind.
The swimmer was thought to be overdue at Fenit Island Beach and concern was raised after a number of personal items were observed on the shore.
As the crew arrived on scene, they were updated that the swimmer had been located safe and well. The lifeboat was subsequently stood down and returned to exercise.
Speaking following the call out, Fenit RNLI Helm Padraig Brick said: ‘This proved to be a false alarm with good intent this evening but we want to commend the member of the public who raised the alarm as that is always the right thing to do if you think someone is in difficulty - we would much rather launch and find all is well than not launch at all. We would also like to thank our colleagues in the Coast Guard and Banna Sea Rescue who were also training in the area at the time.
‘We would encourage anyone planning a dip or swim to not go alone, to wear a bright coloured cap, have a tow float, and carry a means of communication such as a mobile phone in a waterproof pouch. Should you get into difficulty or see someone in trouble, call 999 or 112 and to ask for the Coast Guard.
RNLI
Irish Coast Guard
Radio Kerry
Kerry's Eye
The Kerryman
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