Volunteer RNLI crews responded to a series of incidents across Northern Ireland on Sunday, July 12, including paddleboard rescues on the coast and vessel breakdowns on inland waters.

At Cranfield Point in County Down, RNLI lifeguards carried out two rescues after offshore winds pushed paddleboarders far from shore. The first incident began around 12.30pm when lifeguards spotted two individuals entering the water despite warnings. They were carried nearly 500 metres out by strengthening south-westerly winds. Lifeguard Matt Whitaker entered the water on a rescue board after seeing one casualty attempting to kick back. He secured their paddleboard, while colleague Joe Brennan McCann arrived and took the second person onto his board. Both were returned to the beach. A second paddleboarder was rescued from the same location at about 2.24pm.

Inland, Carrybridge RNLI on Upper Lough Erne launched three times. At 2.40pm, a lifeboat was dispatched to assist a 21-year-old woman who suffered a deep laceration to her leg while in the water at Derryadd. Northern Ireland Ambulance Service paramedics were already treating her when the crew arrived, and the lifeboat was stood down after providing further assistance.

Two vessel breakdowns followed that evening. At 7.13pm, a 17.5ft speedboat with four adults and one child aboard lost drive around half a mile south-west of Belleisle. Four occupants were transferred to the lifeboat while a crew member boarded the vessel. It was towed to Carrybridge slipway, where Lough Erne Coastguard Rescue Team helped with mooring. While that incident was concluding, the crew was diverted at 8.31pm to a 24.5ft sports cruiser near Tamlaght Bay that could not be restarted. All seven people on board were safe, but due to fading light and the busy location, the vessel was also towed to safety with the owner’s permission.

Water safety reminders issued by the RNLI included urging paddleboarders to check wind direction, wear a leash, and stay close to shore whenever possible. Vessel owners were advised to maintain their boats, carry charts, ensure lifejackets are available for all, and have a reliable means of calling for help. Anyone in difficulty on the water should call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.