Skerries Coast Guard
Irish Coast Guard • An Garda Cósta
A community of trained volunteers committed to saving lives on the North Dublin coast.
Skerries Coast Guard's roots stretch back more than 200 years, to the foundation of the Coastguard Service in Ireland in 1821/1822 — Skerries was one of only five stations established in the Dublin area at the time. Generations of local volunteers have watched over this coastline ever since.
Re-established as a Coast Life-Saving Service station in 1923, the unit has served continuously through every era of the Irish Coast Guard. Today, operating under the Irish Coast Guard (IRCG) and the Department of Transport, we are a modern, well-equipped search and drone unit, working closely with An Garda Síochána, the RNLI, the National Ambulance Service, and Dublin Fire Brigade.
From rocket carts and breeches buoys to thermal-imaging drones, our story spans two centuries of seafaring rescue. Explore our full history →
Our Officer in Charge (OIC) leads the unit and coordinates with IRCG Marine Rescue Sub-Centre Dublin. The OIC is responsible for operational readiness, training standards, and volunteer welfare.
All volunteers complete a rigorous IRCG training programme covering first aid, drone operations, search techniques, radio communications, and water safety. Ongoing training ensures skills remain sharp.
Our station houses a range of specialist equipment including drone systems, stretchers, first aid kits, VHF radios, and personal protective equipment supplied by IRCG.
Skerries Coast Guard works in close partnership with a range of emergency services and national bodies.
Irish Coast Guard
Parent organisation & operational authority
Skerries RNLI Lifeboat Station
Coordination on coastal incidents
An Garda Síochána
Coordination on coastal incidents
National Ambulance Service
Pre-hospital care partnerships
Dublin Fire Brigade
Joint exercises & incident support
Fingal County Council
Community safety & infrastructure
Our volunteers' dedication and courage have been recognised at the highest levels.
Skerries Coast Guard is a proud recipient of the Ministerial Meritorious Service Award, recognising the unit's sustained, exceptional contribution to search and rescue on the North Dublin coast.
Individual members of our unit have received commendations for bravery for their actions during rescues — testament to the courage and commitment our volunteers show when lives are on the line.
We are currently recruiting new volunteers. No prior experience is required — full training is provided by the Irish Coast Guard.
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