Irish Coast Guard

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Irish Coast Guard

In an emergency, on the coast, cliffs, or at sea, dial 112 and ask for Coast Guard.

The Irish Coast Guard (IRCG) is responsible for:

Search and Rescue;
Pollution and Salvage response in the marine environment;
Marine communications network;
Marine safety awareness. There are 51 Coast Guard units located in coastal areas and on inland waterways. All units are operated by volunteer crews who give up their time to help those in their local community. Volunteers wor

k off a pager system and answer calls 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Disclaimer: This is the Facebook site of the Irish Coast Guard, run by the Irish Coast Guard, to keep the community informed of the service's activities. Opinions and comments expressed are not those of the Department of Transport, Tourism, and Sport, or the Irish Coast Guard which is a division within the Department. For information on Irish Coast Guard please visit the Coast Guard site at https://www.gov.ie

20/08/2026

The Irish Coast Guard is extremely honoured to have been named Blue Light Emergency Service of the Year at the inaugural Ireland Blue Light Awards 2026.

These awards celebrate the dedication and professionalism of emergency blue light services across Ireland, and we are proud to be recognised among the outstanding organisations and individuals who serve our communities every day.

The evening brought further success, with Jim O'Neill and the crew of Rescue 115 receiving the Bravery & Courage Award in recognition of an outstanding rescue.

A special mention also goes to Killaloe Coast Guard Unit, which was shortlisted in the Contribution to Diversity Award category for its inspiring work with the Midwest School for the Deaf.

Congratulations to all nominees, finalists and winners, and to the emergency and frontline services across Ireland for their dedication, professionalism and service to their communities.

19/08/2026

Irish Coast Guard’s Search And Rescue helicopter Rescue 118 completed a long-range MEDEVAC from a merchant vessel over 200nm from Eagle Island last Saturday. The ill crew member was winched from the vessel with the Irish Coast Guard fixed wing aircraft Rescue 120F providing top cover.

This mission was coordinated by MRSC Malin Head with assistance of UK Coastguard and Norwegian colleagues and facilitated by Irish Lights using their re-fuelling facilities at Blacksod Co. Mayo with support from the Ballyglass Coast Guard Unit.

The ill crew member was transferred to the National Ambulance Service and taken to hospital for medical care.

13/08/2026

As temperatures remain high and more people enjoy time near the water, remember that conditions can change quickly.

Stay alert, supervise children closely and put water safety first. 🌊

12/08/2026

With hot weather set to continue this week Met Éireann has issued the following weather advisory:

Status Yellow – High Temperature

Maximum temperatures in excess of 27° Celsius, combined with nighttime minima in excess of 15° Celsius.

Potential Impacts:
• Water safety issues due to increased use of beaches/lakes/rivers
• Uncomfortable sleeping conditions
• Heat stress
• Animal welfare issues

Valid: 06:00 Wednesday 12/08/2026 to 06:00 Friday 14/08/2026

Check updates: https://bit.ly/4mL3zYg

10/08/2026

⚠️ Warm weather does not mean safe water

🏖️ With temperatures set to rise this week, the Coast Guard is reminding the public that beaches can be busier than usual

☀️ Familiarise yourself with these key safety tips before entering the water

31/07/2026

Water Safety Ireland, the Irish Coast Guard and the RNLI are urging swimmers, visitors and holidaymakers to take extra care around the coast this Bank Holiday weekend.

✅ Familiarise yourself with local water conditions before entering the water
✅ Read and follow safety signage
✅ Be aware of hazards such as rip currents
✅ Choose a lifeguarded beach or waterway whenever possible

⚠️ Remember: Inflatable toys and air mattresses can quickly be blown offshore or capsize without warning, putting users at serious risk. Lifeguards are responding to numerous incidents involving inflatables around the country.

📞 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.

30/07/2026

🤝 The Coast Guard are joining Water Safety Ireland and the RNLI this August Bank Holiday to urge swimmers and holiday makers to take extra care around the coast this Bank Holiday Weekend

🗺️ As many people travel to coastal locations during the holiday period, the organisations are also encouraging beachgoers to take time to read local safety signage, check for potential hazards such as rip currents, and to swim at a lifeguarded waterway if possible.

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

25/07/2026

🛟 🌊 Today is World Drowning Prevention Day

The Coast Guard, RNLI and Water Safety Ireland are urging everyone planning activities on or near the water to be prepared, understand the risks, and take simple steps to help ensure that everyone returns home safely.

If you are taking part in activities on or near the water, remember to:

🌦️ Check weather forecasts and tide times before heading out.
👣 If walking along the shoreline, remain alert to rising tides, which can quickly lead to stranding.
🏖️ Choose lifeguarded beaches where possible, always swim with others, and stay within your depth.
🏊Be aware of rip currents, which can rapidly carry even strong swimmers away from shore.
❄️ Warm weather does not mean safe water. Cold water can cause cold-water shock, significantly increasing the risk of drowning. Enter the water slowly to allow your body to adjust.
👪 Ensure children are kept under constant, uninterrupted supervision near water.
🚫 Avoid alcohol before swimming, operating watercraft, or spending time near the water.
⚠️ Always wear a lifejacket or buoyancy aid when participating in activities on the water.
♒ Pay attention to all water safety signs, flags and local warnings.
🗣️ Tell someone ashore about your plans and expected return time.
🤳 Always carry a means of calling for help, such as a fully charged mobile phone or a marine VHF radio.

🚨 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.

23/07/2026

🛟 This Saturday is World Drowning Prevention Day

World Drowning Prevention Day is observed annually on 25 July and aims to raise awareness of drowning prevention and promote lifesaving interventions.

The Coast Guard, RNLI and Water Safety Ireland 'Unite to Turn the Tide' ahead of World Drowning Prevention Day 2026.

So far this year, the Coast Guard has coordinated more than 1,700 incidents, resulting in 385 lives saved and over 1,600 people assisted. The scale of demand is reflected in the second week of July alone, when the Coast Guard coordinated 140 incidents, one of the highest incident totals recorded in a single week.

20/07/2026

On Sunday, 19 July, at 12:08 local time, the UK Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) contacted the Irish Coast Guard’s Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) Dublin requesting assistance in locating the 35-foot sailing vessel Sarina, which had been reported overdue while on passage from Finisterre, Spain, to Cork with a lone sailor on board.

MRCC Dublin and MRSC Valentia immediately initiated efforts to establish contact with the vessel and tasked the Irish Coast Guard fixed-wing aircraft, CG120F, which was on patrol in the area, to investigate the vessel’s last known position.

CG120F successfully located Sarina approximately 177 nautical miles south-southwest of Tuskar Rock and established communications with the sole occupant. The sailor reported that the vessel was low on fuel but that there were no other concerns onboard. He also confirmed that he had altered his passage plan and was now bound for Kilmore Quay, Co. Wexford.

MRCC Dublin subsequently relayed the vessel’s position and status to the UK Joint Rescue Coordination Centre, which in turn informed the sailor’s family ashore.

Address

Coast Guard HQ
Dublin
D02TR60

Website

https://www.gov.ie/en/policy-information/eda64a-the-irish-coast-guard/

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