Gardaí urge public to 'take extra care' when swimming after two rescue calls issued at pier

The Coast Guard, gardaí, and a local search and rescue service were required at Clogherhead Pier in Co Louth on Sunday evening after a car entered the water.

Calls were made to Boyne Fishermen’s Rescue and Recovery shortly after 8pm yesterday with reports of a car plunging into the water. It was unknown if the car was occupied at the time.

Their underwater search unit conducted a search of the vehicle while an inshore rescue boat made its way to the scene and three mobile units were dispatched to Clogherhead Harbour.

The rescue service was met by the Clogherhead Coast Guard and Clogherhead gardaí upon arrival and no persons were found at the scene.

While attending this incident, Boyne Fishermen’s Rescue received another call reporting a male in a distressed state at the water’s edge between Fiddler Case Pier and Drogheda Port.

A second inshore boat was launched and proceeded to the scene.

Upon arrival, the crew located a male matching the description, who was recovered safely from the water.

The rescue calls come as An Garda Síochána issued a statement yesterday for World Drowning Prevention Day, urging the public to be aware of their surroundings and abilities in the water.

“Sunday 25th July is World Drowning Prevention Day,” a garda spokesperson said.

“With the good weather continuing and many holidaying at home this year, An Garda Síochána Water Unit would like to remind the public to take extra care when using all of our inland and coastal waterways, especially lakes, rivers and canals that may not have lifeguards present.

“We urge everyone to be aware of your environment, any warning signs and your own abilities around water and if possible wear a buoyancy aid or life jacket.

"No matter what your ability is, anyone can drown but no one should. For more information on water safety visit www.watersafety.ie”