Coast Guard helicopter visit to Scoil Moibhi – 29th May 2015

This morning, the Skerries Coast Guard team assembled at the Hills Cricket Club, Skerries to prepare the landing site for a visit from the Coast Guard’s Dublin based Sikorsky S92 helicopter. The Skerries team were joined by their fellow Coast Guards from Clogherhead.

Shortly before 09:30, the helicopter made radio contact with the Coast Guard ground team to confirm its imminent arrival. Orange smoke flares were deployed at the site, to assist the helicopter crew with assessing wind speed & direction. The Sikorsky helicopter landed on several moments later, the first time a Coast Guard helicopter had ever landed at the immaculate grasslands of the cricket club site.

The purpose of the visit was to allow the excited pupils of the nearby Scoil Moibhi National School an opportunity to explore the impressive helicopter up close and learn more about the work of the Coast Guard.

The Coast Guard extends its sincere thanks to all at the Hills Cricket Club for allowing us the use of their club lands for the visit.

St Patrick’s day parade Skerries 2015

The Skerries Coast Guard team took part in the St Patrick’s day parade in Skerries, cheered on by one of the biggest crowds in recent years. The Irish Coast Guard’s Dublin based Sikorsky S92 helicopter also preformed a dramatic flyover of the Strand Street / South Strand Street area just as the parade began at 15:00. The parade departed the South Strand and make its way up Strand Street, past the viewing platform at the Church before finishing up at the Skerries Mills carpark.

The parade was once again organised by the Skerries Chamber of Commerce. All  entrants assembled from 13:30 at the South Strand, with the judging taking place before the parade started off at 15:00. This year saw the Skerries Coast Guard Team awarded the prestigious Judges Prize!

Skerries Coast Guard – a voluntary search and rescue unit of the Irish Coast Guard

Skerries Coast Guard ST Patricks Parade 2015

Skerries harbour – 20th February 2015

Skerries Coast Guard were tasked today to investigate a report of a fishing vessel which had swamped at Skerries harbour. Unfortunately the vessel, which was moored alongside the harbour quay, was swamped by the incoming tide during the night. The Skerries Coast Guard team inspected the harbour area and no pollution was noted. The Coast Guard’s Sikorsky helicopter later performed an aerial observation of the area and nothing further was observed.

Skerries Coast Guard – a voluntary rescue unit of the Irish Coast Guard

Remember – if you spot someone in difficulty along the coast, dial 999 or 112 and ask for the COAST GUARD. Your call could save their life.

Jetskis at Skerries – 3 August 2014

This evening, the Skerries Coast Guard team were tasked to investigate reports of Jetskis acting in a wreckless manner near designated swimming areas on the Skerries coast. Several concerned members of the public had contacted the Coast Guard’s Operations Centre on 999 to report the three jetskis.

The Skerries Coast Guard team quickly located the jetskis upon arrival at the harbour area. The three were signalled to return to the slipway and duly complied. Members of the Skerries Coast Guard team and Gardai from Balbriggan spoke with the 3 jetski operators and reminded them of the provisions of the Fingal County Council Bye-Laws governing the use of Jetskis in the area. A copy of these bye-laws are also available from the Council’s website www.fingalcoco.ie

Remember – if you spot any jetskis or powerboats being operated in a manner or area that might cause a nuisance or danger to other water users including swimmers, contact the Coast Guard on 999 or 112.