RNLI Lough Derg

27/05/2026

‼️Irish Coast Guard, Water Safety Ireland and RNLI issue water safety advice ahead of June Bank Holiday‼️

Ahead of the June Bank Holiday weekend, the Irish Coast Guard, Water Safety Ireland and the RNLI are urging the public to stay safe if planning an activity on or near the water.

While air temperatures are warmer, sea and inland water temperatures remain low. This contrast can present a hidden but serious risk of cold water shock and hypothermia to anyone entering or unexpectedly falling into the water.

Even on warm, sunny days, water temperatures are often below 15°C, cold enough to trigger cold water shock. This sudden reaction can cause involuntary gasping, panic, and loss of breathing control, greatly increasing the risk of drowning.

While a large number of people are expected to visit the coast or inland waterways over the bank holiday weekend, for many this will be their first dip of the season.
🛟Remember to enter the water slowly, splash yourself to acclimatise, keep your dips short and stay within your depth.

🛟Don’t go alone, swim with others, always stay together, and ensure everyone leaves the water safely.

If you’re planning an activity in or on the water, remember:
🗺️Check weather and tides before heading out, and carry a means of calling for help such as a fully charged mobile phone

🛟 Always wear a correctly fitted and serviced lifejacket or buoyancy aid

🛟 Avoid alcohol as it impairs judgement, coordination, and reaction time

🛟 Let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return.

If you fall into the water unexpectedly or get into difficulty, remember:
Float to Live
🌊Stay calm and fight any instinct to panic or thrash around

🌊 Tilt your head back, with your ears submerged

🌊 Relax and try to breathe normally

🌊 Move your hands and feet to help you stay afloat. It’s fine if your legs sink, we all float differently

🌊 Once you’ve regained control of your breathing, call for help or raise your hand or swim to safety if you are able.

If you see somebody in trouble on the water or along the coast or think that they are in trouble, use marine VHF radio Ch 16 or dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.

22/05/2026

‼️Lough Derg RNLI assists a person on an 18ft speed boat with engine failure


Earlier today, Friday 22 May, Valentia Coast Guard requested Lough Derg RNLI lifeboat to launch to assist a person on an 18ft speed boat with engine failure at Parker's Point, southwest of Garrykennedy.


At 5:54pm Lough Derg RNLI lifeboat Jean Spier launched with volunteers, helm James Corballis and crew Joe O’Donoghue, Chris Parker and Deirdre Gleeson on board. The wind was south-westerly, Force 3 to 4. Visibility was good.

At 6:03pm, the lifeboat arrived on scene. A passing cruiser had taken the casualty vessel under an alongside tow to prevent them being pushed on to the rocky shore as their anchor was dragging. The skipper of the casualty vessel was safe and unharmed and wearing their lifejacket.
The RNLI helm spoke to the skipper of the assisting vessel, who was happy to continue the tow to the safest close harbour at Garrykennedy.

The lifeboat informed Valentia Coast Guard of the plan to accompany both vessels to Garrykennedy, where the lifeboat would take over the tow through the narrow channel into the harbour.

The assisting vessel was thanked and continued its passage north. The casualty vessel was safely tied alongside at 6:38pm.

At 6:43pm the lifeboat departed the scene and was back at station at 6:54pm. The lifeboat was washed down, refuelled and ready for service by 7:05pm.


Commenting on the callout, Aoife Kennedy, Launching Authority at Lough Derg RNLI said: ‘As the boating season has begun in earnest, we would remind boat users to ensure your vessel and engine are serviced. If you get into difficulty or see somebody else in trouble on the water, dial 999 or 112 or use VHF radio Channel 16 and ask for the Coast Guard.’


Ends



Notes to editors
Lough Derg RNLI lifeboat station has been operating since 2004. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to: https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeboat-stations/lough-derg-lifeboat-station
A photo of Lough Derg RNLI lifeboat can be viewed at: https://www.facebook.com/RNLILoughDerg/

RNLI media contacts
For more information please telephone Eleanor Ho**er, Lough Derg RNLI Lifeboat Press Officer on Eleanor_Ho**[email protected] or Nuala McAloon, Regional Media Officer on 0876483547 [email protected] or Niamh Stephenson, Regional Media Manager on 0871254124 or [email protected]

RNLI online
For more information on the RNLI please visit rnli.org. News releases and other media
resources, including RSS feeds, downloadable photos and video, are available at the
RNLI News Centre rnli.org/news-and-media.

Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around Ireland and the UK. The RNLI operates 46 lifeboat stations in Ireland. The RNLI is independent of government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, the charity has saved over 142,700 lives.

21/05/2026

🛟 Float to Live could save your life. 🛟

Cold water shock can happen to anyone, even strong swimmers. If you unexpectedly find yourself in the water, your first instinct may be to panic but knowing what to do could make all the difference.

‼️ Remember:
🌊Tilt your head back with your ears submerged.
🌊 Relax and try to control your breathing.
🌊 Use your hands to help you stay afloat.
🌊 It’s okay if your legs sink, we all float differently.

Practice these steps at a supervised location, like a swimming pool or lifeguarded beach so you know what to do in an emergency.

Take a moment to learn it. Share it with family and friends. One simple technique could save a life.

21/05/2026

Podcast - Episode 263: Irish Coast Guard and RNLI Save 14 from the Fishing Vessel FASTNET

"Featuring voices from Dispatch - Denis O’Leary, ground team - Carol Leahy, RNLI Volunteer Rescue Boat Crew - Sean Curtin and Irish Coast Guard Helicopter Crewmen - Paraic Slattery [SAR Captain & RNLI Crew at RNLI Lough Derg] and Jim O’Neill. The team walks through the mission step by step, sharing the real-time challenges they faced, the critical decisions made under pressure, and the coordination required to bring the operation to a successful conclusion.

They explain how teamwork, communication, and rapid decision-making proved essential as conditions evolved as the vessel was being battered against the rocks. The crew reflects on the interagency collaboration that kept the mission on track, and the moment the outcome became clear: 14 lives safely rescued.

It’s a powerful look at the professionalism and partnership required when multiple rescue organizations come together in the face of uncertainty—and how preparation and trust turn chaos into a save."

In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn dives into a dramatic multi-agency rescue off the coast of Di**le, Ireland, where the fishing vess...

20/05/2026

Lough Derg RNLI launches to assist 2 people in difficulty on a 30ft cruiser near Ballymacegan Island above Lough Derg on the River Shannon


Earlier today, Wednesday 20 May, Valentia Coast Guard requested Lough Derg RNLI lifeboat to launch to assist 2 people on a 30ft motor cruiser with engine failure at a location south of Ballymacegan Island and north of Sally Island, 5mn above Portumna Bridge on the River Shannon.


At 3:50pm Lough Derg RNLI lifeboat Jean Spier launched with volunteers, helm James Corballis and crew Owen Cavanagh, Paraic Slattery and Deirdre Gleeson on board. The wind was south-westerly, Force 2. Visibility was good.

Valentia Coast Guard and the lifeboat liaised with Fergal Kearney, Lock and Bridge Keeper at Portumna Bridge, to open the bridge to allow the lifeboat to exit the lake and proceed upriver to the casualty’s location.

As the lifeboat neared the northern end of the lake, Valentia Coast Guard informed the RNLI crew that the casualty vessel had been taken under tow by a passing cruiser and was making way downriver to Portumna Bridge. Valentia Coast Guard requested the lifeboat proceed to ensure all was well with the 2 casualties on board.

The lifeboat located the cruiser being moored alongside at safe harbour just north of Portumna Bridge. RNLI crew found the 2 people on board to be safe and well.

Volunteers reported their findings to Valentia Coast Guard. At 4:13pm the lifeboat departed the scene and was back at station at 4:52pm. The lifeboat was washed down and refuelled at 5:00pm

Commenting on the callout, Aoife Kennedy, Launching Authority at Lough Derg RNLI said: ‘As the boating season begins, we would remind boat users to ensure your vessel and engine are serviced.. If you get into difficulty or see somebody else in trouble on the water, dial 999 or 112 or use VHF radio Channel 16 and ask for the Coast Guard.’

Ends



Notes to editors
• Lough Derg RNLI lifeboat station has been operating since 2004. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to: https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeboat-stations/lough-derg-lifeboat-station
• A photo of Lough Derg RNLI lifeboat can be viewed at: https://www.facebook.com/RNLILoughDerg/

RNLI media contacts
For more information please telephone Eleanor Ho**er, Lough Derg RNLI Lifeboat Press Officer at Eleanor_Ho**[email protected] or Nuala McAloon, Regional Media Officer on 0876483547 [email protected] or Niamh Stephenson, Regional Media Manager on 0871254124 or [email protected]

RNLI online
For more information on the RNLI please visit rnli.org. News releases and other media
resources, including RSS feeds, downloadable photos and video, are available at the
RNLI News Centre rnli.org/news-and-media.

Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around Ireland and the UK. The RNLI operates 46 lifeboat stations in Ireland. The RNLI is independent of government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, the charity has saved over 142,700 lives.

19/05/2026

Thanks to Mike and all at Lough Derg Sub Aqua Club for their great support for Lap the Lake on this and previous years.

18/05/2026

🛟With the end of school term fast approaching, the RNLI’s Water Safety team is running free one hour water safety webinars for post-primary schools ahead of the summer holidays.🛟

You can choose from one of four options: 10am on Wednesday 20 May, 10am on Thursday 21 May, 10am on Wednesday 27 May or 10am on Thursday, 28 May.

Select your preferred date on www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/free-rnli-water-safety-webinar-for-secondary-schools-tickets-1983530526199 to receive your Microsoft Teams link. 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 water sports 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.

Join the RNLI Water Safety team for a free 60-minute session on essential lifesaving skills to keep secondary school students safe.

18/05/2026

Celebrating National Volunteering Week 2026 at Lough Derg RNLI

It is the dedication and commitment of our legions of volunteers, that ensures the RNLI can continue to save lives at sea and on inland waterways.
In their many roles - lifeboat and shore crew, fundraisers and water safety volunteers - every one plays their part in the charity's vital lifesaving work.

Find out more about volunteering for the RNLI

18/05/2026

Lough Derg RNLI’s Lap the Lake charity cycle another success

Despite inclement weather, Lough Derg RNLI’s fourth Lap the Lake charity cycle on Saturday was another success, raising awareness and significant funds.

Over 120 cyclists took part in the event that started and finished at Lough Derg Yacht Club where the RNLI lifeboat the Jean Spier is based.

Cyclists from clubs including the Sandymount Wheelers, the Willow Wheelers, Orwell Wheelers and the Heartland Wheelers have ensured the success of this event with their continued support.

Lough Derg RNLI helm Owen Cavanagh and crew members Steve Smyth and Joe O'Donoghue brought the lifeboat Jean Spier to harbours around the lake to meet cyclists and volunteers at refreshment stations. They were on hand to answer questions about the RNLI, the charity’s lifesaving work and of course the station’s inshore lifeboat.

Speaking following the event, Niamh McCutcheon, Chair of the Lough Derg RNLI Fundraising Committee commended organiser Laura Clarke for her enthusiasm and commitment to the event: ‘Laura left no stone unturned in her organisation and made everyone feel welcome. She received very positive feedback from all the participants, testament of a successful event’.

Christine O’Malley, Lough Derg RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager added: ‘Lap the lake was a fantastic day, meticulously organised by Laura and her fundraising team and we want to thank them sincerely for their efforts. Thanks too to our own station volunteers who contributed to the event’s success, helping out in various ways. Cyclists got to enjoy the beauty of Lough Derg while raising essential funds for Lough Derg RNLI, funds which will now go towards powering our lifesaving work on the lake.’

Laura Clarke, chair of the Lap the Lake event committee, thanked her cycling committee, Ena Butler, Catriona McNally, Jonathan Horgan, Anne Atkinson, Robert Grace, Niamh McCutcheon and Bob O’Brien for their commitment and dedicated hard work in the months leading up to the event.

A large number of people from across the community volunteered to help throughout the day. Laura commended Catriona McNally for managing registration with helpers Ann Atkinson, Aoife Kennedy and Eleanor Ho**er. She thanked Susie Coote and Sylvia Crawford at Killaloe Sailing club, Ger Murphy at Iniscealtra, Niamh McCutcheon, Roisín Kiersey and Catriona McNally at the 120km refreshment stop, Tom Sanders for looking after the refreshments stop at Portumna, Eoin Dillion, Lough Derg Sub Aqua Club, Aidan Ryan and Stevie Quinlan from north Tipp Wheelers who served as cycling marshals within the group on the day.

Laura also thanked the main sponsors: Abbey Machinery; Arrabawn; Clearys Garage Nenagh; Tipperary Water; Coca-Cola; Apple Ireland; John O'Connor of Quigleys Bakery; Christy Manning; Rituals Sauna Dromineer; and Lough Derg E-bikes.
For the fourth year running, Lough Derg Yacht provided their premises for the event, and Killaloe Sailing Club and Iniscealtra Sailing Club permitted the use of their club grounds and facilities for participants on the cycle around the lake.

Laura thanked Robert Grace, who took the lead in organising and coordinating the marshals so effectively. She acknowledged the Bike Marshals for their standout care, the Order of Malta, Richie Burke, The Bike Doctor who donated his time and services for the day.

Laura thanked Noreen O’ Sullivan for providing refreshments in Lough Derg Yacht Club, Gems Coffee for their welcome pizzas, crepes and hot drinks for cylists on their return to Dromineer and James Corballis, Helm, for providing the sound system for entertainment for the participants and their families on their return to Dromineer. Laura thanked Beverley Callender for bringing her pop-up RNLI shop to Dromineer, at which many participants made some life-saving purchases.


Ends

RNLI media contacts
For more information please telephone Eleanor Ho**er, Lough Derg RNLI Lifeboat Press Officer at Eleanor_Ho**[email protected] or Nuala McAloon, RNLI Regional Communications Manager on 087 648 3547 or email [email protected] or Niamh Stephenson, RNLI Regional Communications Lead on 087 1254 124 or [email protected] or Tom McGuire, Regional Communications Manager on 0874764436 or email [email protected]

RNLI online
For more information, please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the RNLI News Centre.

Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around Ireland and the UK. The RNLI operates 46 lifeboat stations in the Irish region. The RNLI is independent of Coast Guard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service.

RNLI at 200
In 2024, the RNLI celebrates 200 years of saving lives at sea – thanks to volunteers giving their time to save others, all funded by voluntary public donations. Throughout its 200th anniversary year, the charity is running events and activities to commemorate its history, celebrate the lifesaving service it provides today, and inspire generations of future lifesavers and supporters. For more information visit RNLI.org/200.

17/05/2026

After 23 years as a lifeboat woman, Eleanor Ho**er has retired as Senior Helm at Lough Derg RNLI At a luncheon party for volunteers and their families, organised by Doireann Kennedy, Trainee Navigator and her sister Aoife, Lifeboat Administration Officer, members of the station marked Eleanor’s retirement with a specially commissioned painting by artist Kerry Norton, of the Lough Derg Lifeboat “Jean Speir”, an Atlantic 85, in front of the Canal Store in Dromineer.

Eleanor was delighted to welcome friends and colleagues: Helena Duggan, Lifeboat Competency Development Lead: Coastal Training, and formally the station’s first Assessor/Trainer, who helped to train crew as Lough Derg RNLI was being established; Sean Ginnelly, Coastal Lifeboat Trainer who succeeded Helena for a number of years as Trainer/Assessor, and who travelled to Dromineer from Achill today.

Christine O’Malley, Lifeboat Operations Manager, and Niamh McCutcheon, Chairperson of Lough Derg RNLI Fundraising Committee and RNLI Council member, thanked Eleanor for her years of service to both operations and fundraising.

Eleanor says ‘it has been one of my greatest honours to serve as an RNLI helm, and to be a member of a dedicated and outstanding team of volunteers down the years’.
Eleanor will continue in her other role at Lough Derg RNLI, as Lifeboat Press Officer.

All photographs by Brenda Ainsworth

17/05/2026

It was wonderful to meet and to talk to the volunteers from BikeMarshals.ie, and to learn of their important work throughout the country.
A huge thank you from all the volunteers RNLI Lough Derg for their professionalism and support at the Lap the Lake, RNLI Charity Cycle, yesterday.

To learn more about BikeMarshals.ie, here is a link to their website https://www.bikemarshals.ie/