The Irish Coast Guard published an end of year summary of statistics for 2022. During the year, the Irish Coast Guard coordinated responses to 2699 incidents which is the second highest number in 5 years. August was the busiest month with a 10% increase on the corresponding period in 2021.

The incident count covers the range of services provided by the Coast Guard. These services are maritime search and rescue, maritime casualty and pollution preparedness and response. The Coast Guard also assisted An Garda Síochána in open country search and mountain rescue. Coast Guard also assists the National Ambulance Service in providing an Air Ambulance and Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) both inland and to the island communities.

Minister of State with special responsibility for the Irish Coast Guard, Jack Chambers, said, “I want to thank all of the volunteers and staff for their professionalism and commitment. I want to particularly recognise the work of the Watch Officers at Rescue Coordination Centres in Malin, Valentia and MRCC Dublin, and Coast Guard support staff who to their great credit maintained an uninterrupted service throughout the COVID-19 challenge. I look forward to meeting with the staff and volunteers of the Coast Guard to see this work at first hand in the coming weeks.”

The capacity to Raise the Alarm and Stay Afloat, are central to the prevention of drownings at sea and on inland waterways. The Coast Guard’s core safety message Stay Afloat – Stay in Touch; highlights the importance of never engaging in any commercial or recreational boating activity without wearing a Life Jacket or Personal Flotation Device (PFD), coupled with a capacity to raise the alarm via means such as a VHF radio, Personal Locator Beacon or EPIRB. This should be supported by informing shore-based colleagues of intended activity and anticipated return time. Mobile phones should not be considered as a suitable substitute or be relied upon as the only means of emergency communication at sea.

Public safety messaging continues to be promoted via the Safety on the Water website.

If you see somebody in trouble on the water or along the coast, use marine VHF Ch 16 or dial 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.