Two swimmers were rescued from the sea at Fenit last night, after they got into difficulty at Little Samphire Lighthouse near Fenit Pier. The two young men, who were staying with a family locally, had decided to swim from Fenit beach to the lighthouse and back when they realised they were not be able to return to the beach safely.
Lifeboat volunteers were on a training exercise at sea when the call was received and the lifeboat was immediately diverted to the scene. Denise Lynch, a station coxswain who was out kayaking, spotted the pair and went to check on them. They had just made it to the lighthouse but were freezing cold and felt that they would be unable to make the return swim. Denise then raised the call for help.
Fenit volunteer crew Padraig Brick and Cian Lawless were out in the station’s inshore lifeboat on exercise, with coastal trainer Sean Ginnelly, when the lifeboat was diverted from exercise to go to the aid of the young men. Taking the two casualties onboard the lifeboat, the volunteer crew took them back into the safety of the harbour and inside the lifeboat station, where they were put into thermal layers used by the lifeboat crew. The two swimmers were extremely cold but were in good spirits.
RNLI volunteer coxswain Terry Sheehy, who had been monitoring the situation from the station, went and collected their clothes from the beach and alerted the place they were staying.
Commenting on the call-out, Sean Ginnelly said: “It was a beautiful night in Fenit and perfect conditions for a training exercise. There was a large number of people in the area, enjoying the weather and we were aware that we might get a call-out.
“Lifeboat crew train for every type of situation and this is one where timing was so important. People don’t realise that the water is very cold at this time of year and that when they set out on swim to a point that looks nearby, with tides and currents, it can be a lot harder than it looks to complete it.
“Padraig and Cian swung into action and I was delighted to see the training being put into a real-life situation that ended well.”
Importance of Training for Lifeboat Volunteers
The incident highlights the vital role that training plays in ensuring the safety of lifeboat volunteers and the people they rescue. The Fenit RNLI lifeboat volunteers were able to respond quickly and effectively to the call for help because they had been well-trained and prepared for such situations. This incident also serves as a reminder of the importance of water safety and the dangers of swimming in cold water.
Cold Water Dangers
Even on a warm day, the water temperature can be much colder than it appears. Cold water shock can occur when the body is suddenly exposed to cold water, causing a rapid drop in body temperature. This can lead to confusion, disorientation, and even unconsciousness. In some cases, cold water shock can be fatal.
The RNLI's Role in Water Safety
The RNLI plays a vital role in promoting water safety and preventing drowning. The organization provides a variety of resources and educational materials on how to stay safe around water, and its lifeboat crews are always on call to respond to emergencies at sea.
Fenit RNLI's Commitment to Saving Lives
The rescue of the two swimmers at Fenit is just one example of the many lives that the RNLI saves each year. The organization's commitment to saving lives at sea is unwavering, and its volunteers are always ready to answer the call. The Fenit RNLI is an important part of the local community, and its work is vital to ensuring the safety of those who live, work, and play on the water.
A Night of Courage and Skill
The successful rescue of the two swimmers at Fenit is a testament to the courage, skill, and dedication of the RNLI volunteers. They were able to quickly respond to the call for help, rescue the swimmers from the cold water, and bring them back to safety. The Fenit RNLI is an inspiration to us all, and we are grateful for their service to the community.
