Minister Naughton thanks Irish Coast Guard, RNLI, and local volunteers for quick response in rescue of two paddle boarders

Minister of State Hildegarde Naughton T.D. at the Department of Transport, today, 13th August 2020 has praised the Irish Coast Guard, RNLI and An Garda Síochána and local volunteers for their speedy response and quick thinking which resulted in the safe recovery of two missing paddle boarders off Galway Bay today.

The Galway based Minister said “I would like to offer my sincere gratitude and thanks to all members of the Irish Coast Guard, RNLI, An Garda Síochána and local volunteers who worked tirelessly overnight and this morning in the search for the two missing paddle boarders since the alarm was raised last night. Their quick thinking and bravery have resulted in the safe return of two young ladies to their families today.

“The appreciation of the work of our emergency services can be heard in the shared sigh of relief not just across Galway, but indeed nationwide, as the good news reached us this afternoon. Thankfully this most recent event has had a happy ending; however, it is imperative for us all to be vigilant of the sea and the elements as we enjoy our coastline during the fine weather. Just last month I launched the newly updated Safety on the Water website in collaboration between the Coast Guard, RNLI, Water Safety Ireland, Irish Sailing and BIM. I would invite everyone to familiarise themselves with the guidance that has been provided by those who know our waters the best by visiting https://www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/777947-safety-on-the-water/?referrer=/