Corrib Mask Search and Rescue

24/10/2026

is making for dangerous conditions around our area today.

⚠️There is an orange wind warning in place for Mayo and Galway. This means gale force winds with severe and damaging gusts starting early on Saturday afternoon and continuing into Sunday morning.

There is also localised flood risks across the region.

Please everyone stay safe and follow the safety advice issued by weather stations and local authorities.

Strong winds and heavy rain can pose a safety risk and people should exercise caution if visiting the shoreline, especially along exposed cliffs, seafronts and piers.

Those heading out for cliff, beach and coastal walks should:

- Check weather and tide times before setting out
- Be aware of the risk of being cut off by incoming tides
- Keep well back from cliff edges and unstable ground.
- Carry a fully charged mobile phone and let someone know your plans.

Swimmers should avoid entering the water during stormy weather or when strong winds, waves or currents make swimming unsafe. As water temperatures drop, shorten your swims and be mindful of the risks of cold-water shock, hypothermia and reduced swimming ability. Wear appropriate equipment, including a wetsuit, brightly coloured swim cap and tow float.

If you find yourself in trouble or see somebody in trouble on the water, around our lakes, or along the coast dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard who will dispatch the necessary services.

06/10/2026

A great piece from Afloat Magazine on last weekends joint training exercise 👏

Rescue 115 joins four-county search and rescue exercise on Lough Corrib involving rescue crews

04/10/2026

A great day was had yesterday at the multi agency training exercise held on Lough Corrib. The exercise was led by Galway Civil Defence, working alongside Civil Defence units from Clare, Limerick and Roscommon, Westport Coast Guard, and ourselves at Corrib Mask Search and Rescue (CMSAR).

CMSAR were tasked with providing local navigation advice and leading the line out to the designated training area, covering the waters between Lisloughrey, Inchagoill Cleenillaun, Ardilaun, Scallop.

Once on scene, the search area was divided into 10 separate sectors, with crews assigned to carry out coordinated searches. Earlier in the day, a training dummy and two small tenders had been placed at unknown locations within the search area, giving crews realistic targets to locate and recover. All 3 targets were found and recovered in just over an hour.

We were also joined by Rescue 115 , the Irish Coast Guard helicopter based at Shannon, which was deployed to the area to take part in the exercise and add an important air-support element to the operation.

It was an important and very successful day of training, giving all of the participating organisations an opportunity to work together on the water, practise coordinated search techniques, communications and navigation, and strengthen the working relationships that are so important when responding to a real emergency.

Exercises like this are invaluable. They allow crews from different organisations and counties to train together in realistic conditions and ensure that, when we're called upon for real, we're ready to work effectively as one team.

A huge thank you to Galway Civil Defence for organising and leading the exercise, to all of the participating crews and volunteers who gave their time, and a special word of thanks to Cong Angling Club for their support and use of the facilities.

02/10/2026

NOTICE OF EXERCISE - LOUGH CORRIB

Galway Civil Defence have kindly invited Corrib Mask Search and Rescue to a planned Search & Rescue training exercise on Lough Corrib this Saturday, 3rd October 2026.

The exercise will involve working together with many other rescue units from around the county to practise water search and rescue, communications, navigation and inter-unit coordination.

Members of the public may notice an increased presence of rescue boats, emergency vehicles, drones and personnel around Lough Corrib and the Cong area throughout the day.

The exercise provides an important opportunity for participating teams to train together, share skills and experience, and we are looking forward to it.

Thanks to everyone for your understanding on the day.

13/09/2026

*** Busy day for Corrib Mask Search and Rescue ***

CMSAR had a busy Sunday today. We joined Costello Bay Coast Guard for a joint training session at their base in Connemara, it was an engaging and very useful session. It was great to join up with another unit to share knowledge and experiences across different areas.

Later in the afternoon the crew were tasked to a callout on Lough Corrib. We launched from Lisloughrey to a boat in difficulty on the upper Corrib. Our crew were on scene quickly and were able to assist boat and passengers back to their launch site.

Thanks to all our dedicated crew of volunteers for giving up their Sunday to train and respond to incidents on our amazing local waterways.

As always, please remember to carry a way of communicating, let someone know where you’re going and always wear a lifejacket. We are available 24/7, just call 999/112 and ask for the Coastguard who will dispatch the necessary services to help you.

11/09/2026

A big massive Thank You to all involved with the Vintners Ferderation of Ireland and Burke's Clonbur on their recent donation of €1,400 to the Corrib Mask Search and Rescue from their recent fishing competition held on Lough Mask earlier this week 🎣🎣🎣
Each year these fishermen so generously dig deep and make these donations to our unit, we are extremely grateful to each and every one involved 🙏

29/08/2026

One of our favourite events of the year taking place tomorrow Sunday 30th August The Mask Swim Challenge, make sure and say Hi 👋 to the crew on duty 😀

You can sign up on the day and its always a great event!

02/08/2026

***CALLOUT***

Earlier today CMSAR were tasked by The Irish Coast Guard to Lough Corrib near headford for missing Kyakers.

Our crew responded & deployed to headford to commence a search.

Thankfully, we were stood down following confirmation that the kayakers were located safely.

Thanks also to Rescue 115 & Galway civil defence and the local community for their assistance.

As always if you find yourself in difficulty or indeed see someone in difficulty always call 999/112 and ask for The Coast Guard who will dispatch the necessary services to help you.

24/07/2026

🛟 This Saturday is World Drowning Prevention Day.🛟

The Irish Coast Guard, RNLI and Water Safety Ireland are joining together ahead of World Drowning Prevention Day this Saturday 25th July to remember all those who have tragically lost their lives in Irish waters.

July 2026 is on course to be one of the busiest months in many years, with record levels of activity and numerous call outs for teams on the coast and on inland waterways.

When planning activities on or near the water, be prepared, understand the risks, and take simple steps to help ensure that everyone returns home safely:
✔️ 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 in a waterproof pouch.

If you see somebody in trouble on the water, the lake 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

Ready for Sunday! ❤️💚