HOWTH HARBOUR, DUBLIN - Today was the Howth Festival and Search & Rescue Demo. Howth Coast Guard unit had their station open for 8 hours for public tours and the opportunity for children to sit in a rescue boat and in 4×4 off-road vehicles. The Irish Coast Guard water safety trailer was on-site and members of the team handed out Water Safety information to adults with activity packs for children.
A Search & Rescue demonstration was held at 3pm by Howth Lifeboat, Howth Inshore Lifeboat, Dublin Civil Defence Water Unit, Rescue Helicopter MES from Dublin Airport, and Howth Coast Guard unit. The demonstration included a windsurfer and kayaker being recovered from trouble, the operation of parachute flares, and the helicopter fly-by. Unfortunately a thick fog-bank prohibited the helicopter from winching operations.
The day was concluded with a blessing of the local fishing and rescue boats by the local churches.
