Reports of the Coast Guard Rescue helicopter 116 in operation around the Naylors Cove area of Bray Head yesterday evening brought speculation and concern to those who had witnessed the aircraft flying at low altitude in the area.
Greystones / Wicklow Coast Guard Unit were pleased to announce yesterday evening that an 8 year old boy who had gone missing on Bray Head was located after a brief search of the area.
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The Coast Guard, RNLI and Water Safety Ireland recently issued a joint water safety appeal asking people to take precautions to ensure their safety, in, near or on the water, both at the coast and inland.
As the weather improves, more people will participate in coastal and water-based activities. The three organisations say that while these activities are enjoyable, they should be properly planned. As alcohol is a contributory factor in around one third of drownings in Ireland, they are also appealing to the public to stay away from waterways if alcohol has been consumed.
It is important to be summer ready and ensure that boats and other water vessels, including kayaks and canoes, are checked after the winter, to ensure that everything is in good working order and that engines have been serviced, with all equipment, particularly lifejackets, in good condition.
If out on a boat, or other water vessel, wear a lifejacket, carry a reliable means of communication – a VHF radio and ideally a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) or Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) with mobile phone back up. Ensure that you tell someone where you are going and when you plan to be back.
