The Irish Coast Guard coordinated responses to more than 1,150 incidents during the summer, with 240 lives saved and 1,462 people assisted.
Figures released for the period from 1st June to 31st August show the Coast Guard responded to 1,154 incidents, an increase of 11% compared with the same period in 2025.
The second week of July was the busiest single week ever recorded by the service, with 140 incidents coordinated during that seven-day period.
For County Louth, the Coast Guard has volunteer units in Drogheda, Clogherhead and Greenore as part of its network of 44 stations around the Irish coastline.
Minister of State with responsibility for the Irish Coast Guard Seán Canney said the summer figures demonstrated the scale of work carried out by volunteers, coordination staff and search and rescue crews.
“I’d like to pay tribute to Coast Guard volunteers at the 44 stations along Ireland’s coastline, the staff in the three Maritime Rescue Coordination Centres and Maritime Response Team, and the search and rescue fixed wing and helicopter crews,” he said.
“These figures indicate how crucial their role in maritime safety is, with 1,462 people assisted this summer.”
Warm weather brought more people to the coast
Minister Canney said prolonged spells of warm weather contributed to increased activity on beaches and waterways.
“The prolonged periods of warm weather throughout the summer brought increased traffic to our beaches and waterways, and in tandem, an increase of incidents,” he said.
“Through its leadership and coordination of Ireland’s maritime search and rescue, the Coast Guard, together with its partner life-saving organisations, has once again demonstrated the dedication, professionalism and coordinated response capability that help keep Ireland’s coastline safe.”
The Coast Guard works alongside organisations including RNLI lifeboat crews and other emergency services during maritime incidents.
That cooperation has been seen locally on the Louth coast, including previous incidents involving Clogherhead and Drogheda Coast Guard units and Clogherhead RNLI.
Public thanked for following safety advice
Canney also thanked members of the public who followed coastal safety advice during the busy summer period.
“Finally, I would like to recognise and thank the public for their support throughout the busy summer period, particularly in heeding the information, advice and safety alerts issued by the Coast Guard and its partner organisations.”
He urged people to continue taking care around the coast as autumn approaches.
“If you are visiting the coast over the coming months, I urge you to pay attention to water and coastal safety advice.”
Anyone who sees somebody in difficulty in the water or along the coast, or believes someone may be in difficulty, should use marine VHF channel 16 or call 112 or 999 and ask for the Coast Guard.
