RNLI volunteer qualifies as lifeboat crew after successful assessment in Tipperary
Newly qualified crew member among volunteers responding to recent Lough Derg emergency
A local emergency nurse has officially qualified as a crew member with Lough Derg RNLI after successfully completing her Tier 2 assessment, marking a significant milestone in her volunteer training.
Deirdre Gleeson completed the assessment on Tuesday, July 21, following months of classroom and on-the-water training designed to develop the skills required of an operational lifeboat crew member.
The assessment began ashore, where she completed a theory examination with Coastal Lifeboat Trainer Lenny Fourie, covering subjects including risk assessment, the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (IRPCS), buoyage and navigation.
Once afloat, she was assessed on a range of practical skills including helming the lifeboat, anchoring and veering, using radar, recovering a person from the water and carrying out emergency procedures.
Ms Gleeson, who works as a Nurse Practitioner in Emergency Medicine, said joining the RNLI had given her new skills, confidence and a strong sense of community.
"I'm absolutely delighted to have successfully passed my Tier 2 RNLI assessment. Joining the RNLI has given me fantastic skills, confidence, and a real sense of community, and I'm proud to be part of such an excellent and supportive team," she said.
"A huge thank you to all the crew members of Lough Derg RNLI Station who helped pull me through the training and encouraged me every step of the way."
Tier 2 is a key stage in the RNLI's Operational Competency Framework, providing volunteers with a pathway to progress from crew member to navigator and, ultimately, helm.
Lifeboat Training Co-ordinator Roger Jones congratulated Ms Gleeson on the achievement, praising the commitment she has shown throughout her training.
YOUGHAL RESCUE
The qualification came just days after Ms Gleeson was involved in an RNLI callout to assist a person reported in the water in Youghal Bay.
The incident occurred on Sunday, July 19, when Valentia Coast Guard requested the Lough Derg RNLI lifeboat to launch shortly after 11.30am.
Volunteer helm Chris Parker and crew members Doireann Kennedy, Joe O'Donoghue and Ms Gleeson launched aboard the Jean Spier. As the lifeboat was launching, volunteers were informed that the casualty had already been recovered from the water and brought ashore at Garrykennedy Harbour.
The crew proceeded to the scene while the Irish Coast Guard search and rescue helicopter, Rescue 117, was also tasked.
On arrival, RNLI volunteers trained in casualty care, including Ms Gleeson, assessed the casualty while awaiting the arrival of the National Ambulance Service.
According to the RNLI, people aboard the vessel from which the casualty had entered the water quickly recovered the person and administered lifesaving first aid. The casualty had been wearing a lifejacket.
Following an assessment by ambulance personnel, the casualty was taken to hospital by ambulance, while Rescue 117, which had been standing by nearby, was stood down.
The lifeboat returned to station shortly after midday.
Following the incident, the RNLI reminded members of the public to wear lifejackets while on the water and encouraged anyone who unexpectedly enters the water to "Float to Live" by lying back, controlling their breathing and calling for help where possible.
The charity also urged anyone who sees someone in difficulty on the water to dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard, while throwing the casualty something that floats if it is safe to do so.