Dun Laoghaire Coast Guard

31/05/2026

📟 7 days, 9 callouts 📟

Our team have had a very busy week.  We've averaged over 1 callout a day, including 3 callouts to people stranded at Sandymount Strand.

How to avoid getting stranded:

> learn about local tides.  If you're unfamiliar with a beach, ask a lifeguard or a local.

> know that incoming tides can quickly backfill behind you and block your return to shore.

> walkers should check tide times before heading out.

> bring a phone to call for help, if needed.

🛟 Remember, if you see anyone in trouble or think they are in trouble in or near the water, dial 📞 112 or VHF channel 16 immediately and ask for the Coast Guard.

29/05/2026

📟 CALLOUT - Killiney Bay - 29.5.2026 📟

Team tasked at 02.26am to reports of a person on a Kayak in difficulty on Killiney bay.

Team arrived and immediately began searching. The crew were in contact with the casualty by mobile phone at one stage but lost contact soon after. Casualty was unsure of the exact location and unaware of their surroundings.

ILb tasked along with . Within 5mins of beginning their search, the crew from ILb heard shouts for help and located the casualty in the water soon after, without a lifejacket on.

The casualty was taken out of the water and brought to Coliemore harbour and handed over to Coast Guard team for medical care until Ambulance arrived. There was concerns of a possible 2nd person potentially in the water but after a brief search on land, a 2nd person was located by Coast Guard team, safe & well.

A life was saved tonight thanks to the prompt response by all services. All teams stood down at 03.30am.

🛟 Remember, if you see someone in trouble or think they’re in trouble in or near the water, dial 📞 112 or VHF channel 16 immediately and ask for the Coast Guard.

26/05/2026

❌❌ NO PARKING ❌❌

We’ve recently encountered problems with some car owners parking in designated Emergency Services only parking spots. These spots are clearly marked and are essential for 24/7 access by emergency services. This has repeatedly hindered our ability to respond quickly and effectively to casualties.

Consider this: when does an emergency occur? The answer is, anytime. We can’t predict when we might be needed. Therefore, we kindly request that you use common sense and park in the appropriate bays. If none are available, find another suitable location.

Imagine if it was your family member who needed our help. Would you be willing to block these emergency services parking bays and delay the response?

Please be aware that .ie and are actively aware of these issues and we appreciate their ongoing support.

24/05/2026

15/05/2026

The President of Ireland, President Connolly, was in Dun Laoghaire to launch the youth development sailing vessel, Spirit of Shackleton, in Dún Laoghaire Harbour. 

Dun Laoghaire Coast Guard provided a guard of honour for President Connolly's visit. 

We wish Spirit of Shackleton safe onward passage.

🛟 Remember, if you see anyone in trouble or think they are in trouble in or near the water, dial 📞 112 or VHF channel 16 immediately and ask for the Coast Guard.

10/05/2026

❌️ Never drink and dive - incident update ❌️

Last Monday we had a callout to the 40 foot. A couple of swimmers had gotten into difficulty attempting to swim to one of the buoys. With the help of some other swimmers they were brought to safety.

We warmed up the casualties and brought them to the ambulance to get a medical examination. It appeared the casualties had consumed significant amounts of alcohol during the day.

It is estimated that 3 in 10 people who drown have consumed alcohol before entering the water.

Alcohol severely reduces your ability to swim and respond to risks as it impairs your judgement.

Do not consume alcohol before you enter open water. It puts you, and the people around you, at risk.

On this occasion the casualties had a lucky escape. Thanks to the members of the public for their assistance 🙏

🛟 Remember, if you see anyone in trouble or think they are in trouble in or near the water, dial 📞 112 or VHF channel 16 immediately and ask for the Coast Guard.

08/05/2026

📟 Callout update 📟

To give you a feel for what we’ve had over the last few months, here’s a brief summary of the incidents we’ve attended, with nearly 50 incidents in 2026 so far.

In March, we’ve had multiple assists including people in the water, requests to assist Gardai with searches and assist NAS with casualty recoveries.

In April, we had callouts for swimmers in difficulty, kitesurfers, vessels broken down and on fire, medical emergencies, dolphin recovery and persons in difficulty beside the water.

In May, so far we have had 3 call-outs. We have been tasked to launch the drone on Bray Head, have assistant casualties at the 40ft and also been tasked on reports of a flare close to the East pier.

As you can see it has been an extremely busy start to the year for the team.

🛟 If you see someone in trouble or think they’re in trouble in or near the water, dial 📞 112 or VHF channel 16 immediately and ask for the Coast Guard.

&Rescue

04/05/2026

A big congratulations to Andy, a member of the Dun Laoghaire team, receiving his 10 year service medal earlier this year.

Pictured with Andy is James Larkin (Coast Unit Sector Manager) and Graham Charles (OIC, Dun Laoghaire).

The 10 year service medal recognises the significant commitment and dedication that Andy has given as a volunteer to the Coast Guard.

Our team in Dun Laoghaire is very proud of you Andy. Here's to the next 10 years 😉

🛟 Remember, if you see anyone in trouble or think they are in trouble in or near the water, dial 📞 112 or VHF channel 16 immediately and ask for the Coast Guard.

29/04/2026

📟 CALLOUT - Windsurfers beach - 27.4.2026 📟

Team tasked at 23.00hrs to reports of a possible person in water near Windsurfers beach (rear of West Pier).

An immediate search was conducted between Seapoint bathing area & West Pier, Dún Laoghaire harbour.

also assisted as it was in the area on a training exercise and ILb was also tasked to assist.

Dún Laoghaire Coast Guard Drone was utilised once 116 had departed, making use of its thermal imaging camera to scan along the coastline and also in areas inaccessible by foot.

After 2hrs of extensive searching by land, air & sea, no person in difficulty was located and this incident was deemed a false alarm with good intent.

All teams were stood down at 01.00am.

🛟 Remember, if you see anyone in trouble or think they are in trouble in or near the water, dial 📞 112 or VHF channel 16 immediately and ask for the Coast Guard.

28/04/2026

📟 CALLOUT - Dun Laoghaire - 25.4.2026 📟

Team tasked alongside RNLI, Rescue 116, NAS Paramedics, Critical Care Doctor and Garda to assist with a medical emergency on a yacht.

Despite best efforts by all, the casualty sadly passed away.

Our sincere condolences to the family and friends of the deceased. May they rest in peace.

🛟 Remember, if you see anyone in trouble or think they are in trouble in or near the water, dial 📞 112 or VHF channel 16 immediately and ask for the Coast Guard.