Posts Tagged ‘Skerries’

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Report of unmanned jetski adrift – 12th July 2011

Tuesday, July 12th, 2011

At 19:48 this evening, the volunteers of Skerries Coast Guard were tasked to investigate reports of an unmanned jetski adrift off the Balbriggan coast. A vigilant member of the public contacted the Coast Guard after spotting the object in the water some distance from the shore. The caller believed the object may have been an unmanned jetski adrift.

The Skerries Coast Guard team were immediately tasked to investigate the report. The primary concern in such cases is that the driver may have fallen from the jetski at speed and suffered serious injury. The Skerries team arrived at Balbriggan beach within minutes of the tasking and immediately began a shoreline search. The object was quickly identified and after detailed observation the team established it was a very small leisure craft, with persons on board. The vessel was not in difficulty and no further action was required.

Remember – if you spot someone in difficulty on the coast, or even if you only think that someone could be in difficulty, dial 999 or 112 and ask for the COAST GUARD. Do not assume someone else had made the call.

Incident #16 of 2011

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Report of persons cut off by tide – 8th July 2011

Friday, July 8th, 2011

At 23:47 tonight the Skerries Coast Guard team were tasked to investigate a report of persons stranded on Shenick Island, off the coast of Skerries. A concerned member of the public had spotted what they thought could be persons on the remote island. The island is frequently accessible on foot at low tides and unfortunately, in the past, members of the public have been caught out by the incoming tide.

The Skerries team were on scene within minutes and conducted a thorough search of the shoreline. The team did not observe anyone on the island or anything unusual in the area. Visibility in the search area was good with fair weather conditions. No further action was required and the team returned to base.

Remember – if you spot someone in difficulty on the coast, or even if you only think that someone could be in difficulty. Dial 999 or 112 and ask for the COAST GUARD. Your call could save a life.

Incident #15 of 2011

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Oxygen awareness training

Wednesday, May 18th, 2011

This evening, the Skerries Coast Guard team took part in oxygen awareness training. This interactive session centred on the use of oxygen in pre-hospital medical and trauma emergencies. Oxygen is one of the most commonly used medications in the pre-hospital emergency care environment.

The training session included an explanation of the different types of oxygen cylinders available and the important safety considerations with their use. The team took part in a practical instruction in the use of the common white CD portable oxygen cylinder, which holds up to 460L of compressed oxygen.

The brief also covered the range of oxygen delivery devices used in the pre-hospital emergency care environment, including; non rebreather mask, venturi mask, nebuliser mask, nasal cannula, and the bag valve mask (BVM). The appropriate flow rates for each mask was also discussed along with the resulting oxygen % delivery.

The team explored the vast range of pre-hospital emergency scenarios where oxygen is used and the special considerations required for COPD (Chronic Obstruction Pulmonary Disease) casualties.  The team also received a practical demonstration on the typical oxygen saturation (SpO2) measuring devices used in pre-hospital care, and their associated limitations.

Overall, the evening proved extremely informative and emphasised the importance of awareness of the use of this vital component of pre-hospital emergency care management.  

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Report of persons stranded by tide – 25th April 2011

Monday, April 25th, 2011

At 18:12 this evening, the Skerries Coast Guard team were tasked to investigate a report of persons stranded by the incoming tide. A vigilant member of the public had contacted the Coast Guard on 999 to report two adults on a rocky island outcrop near Balbriggan. The two people appeared to be waving at passing boats, trying to attract attention.

Within minutes, the Skerries Coast Guard team arrived at the clifftop overlooking the area, known locally as “Long Leg” and quickly spotted the two persons. While it is unusual for someone to remain on the rocks with the tide coming in, the two persons were rod fishing and did not appear to be in need of assistance. Although the next high tide was due within the hour, the height of the tide would not have been sufficient to completely cover the rocks. The Coast Guard made contact with the two people by phone and established that they had planned to continue fishing while waiting for the tide to ebb, and they would then make their way back to the shore later this evening on foot.

With no further assistance required the Skerries Coast Guard team returned to base.

Remember – if you spot someone in difficulty on the coast, even if you only think that person may be in difficulty, call 112 or 999 and ask for the COAST GUARD. Your call could save their life.

Incident #8 of 2011

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Report of distress flares – 19th April 2011

Tuesday, April 19th, 2011

At 22:53 this evening, Skerries Coast Guard were tasked to investigate a report of distress flares sighted in the vicinity of the South Strand, Skerries. A member of the public had spotted what appeared to be two marine flares deployed in the area. The Skerries team conducted a shore search of the South Strand and nothing further was noted. Visibility in the area was good with only light winds. No further action was required and the team returned to base.

Incident #7 of 2011

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Pollution report at Skerries – 19th April 2011

Tuesday, April 19th, 2011

 

At 09:25 this morning, the Skerries Coast Guard team were tasked to investigate a public report of pollution on the North Beach in Skerries. The caller reported a murky orange substance at the water’s edge, stretching for several metres along the shore.

Upon arrival at the scene, the Skerries Coast Guard team investigated the substance and concluded it was an algal bloom – a naturally occurring phenomenon that frequently occurs on the North Beach. Given the recent good weather, the concentration of algae in the water may have increased, leading to the orange discolouration. This is also known colloquially as “Red Tide”. This poses no serious threat to humans, other than possible mild skin irritation in some cases.

The Skerries Coast Guard team conducted a detailed analysis of the algal bloom and this information will be passed to the Marine Institute in Galway to further their ongoing research into algal blooms in Irish waters.

Water sample collected from North Beach

Incident # 6 of 2011

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