The RNLI reported two rescues over the bank holiday weekend after eight people found themselves in difficulties in separate incidents.
On Sunday afternoon, Portaferry RNLI rescued six kayakers after a member of the public who was out walking their dog thought they had come into difficulties in the water.
Responding to the call a volunteer crew found an inflatable kayak with one adult and one child onboard on the shore of Salt Island. The group was out on a camping trip out on one of the islands when they were caught out by the weather as they returned ashore.
The first two kayakers were transferred onboard the lifeboat and brought to Killyleagh Yacht Club pontoon before the lifeboat crew returned to continue the search.
The wind and tide had carried the remaining two adults and two children further east to the Sound of Wee Wife near the Launches, at the back of Salt Island.
A tide drop made the water too shallow for the lifeboat to approach the remaining casualties. However, with the guidance of the crew, they were able to steer themselves away from shallow waters where the lifeboat crew were waiting to pick them up.
Portaferry RNLI Helm Chris Adair said that the call out was made “more challenging” by the weather conditions and praised the member of the public that raised the alarm.
He said: “We commend the member of the public for raising the alarm, his quick thinking really made a difference today. We would always ask the public to make that call immediately if they think someone is in difficulty. We would rather launch the lifeboat and find everyone is OK, than not launch at all.”
Mr Adair urged people to always check the weather and tides before trips and to ensure they have a way to call for help if needed.
This followed a rescue by the Enniskillen RNLI on Saturday evening, after it was reported that two people had come off their jet ski on the north side of Inish Davar.
The casualties were assisted by the crew on a passing boat and were transferred to the South West Acute Hospital.
Enniskillen RNLI Helm Paul Keown thanked everyone who assisted on Saturday night. He advised waterway users to always wear lifejacket or flotation device, and wear appropriate clothing for the forecasted conditions.
