20 Coast Guard members from Killaloe, Doolin and Kilkee Coast Guard Units took part in a Search Skills Course today. The group was made up of a mixture of new members and more experienced members who were taken through Search theory for land and sea , strategies and practical exercises. The course was instructed by the Western Sector Manager and two Doolin Coast Guard members who are training to be Search Skills Instructors.

The team underwent their Climbing Operational Readiness Assessment last night. The team carried out three separate climbing rescue scenarios . All scenarios were successful.Thanks to IRCG CUSM Niall Ferns for travelling to Clare to assess the team.

Doolin Coast Guard unit were joined by North Clare Red Cross for a  training exercise on the Burren this evening. The team  practiced night navigation .  4 groups  took separate 7 km routes . One team started up Blackhead Mt. and  onto Gleninagh Mt., finishing in the Caher Valley, while another group started at the Caher Valley and finished at Blackhead. The third and fourth group started and finished near Fanore Church  and onto Gleninagh Mt and finishing in Gleninagh. All groups met at the coll between Gleninagh and Blackhead Mts before continuing on their routes.

Doolin Coast Guard have an open position for a volunteer based in the Doolin area. Think you have what it takes ? Why not drop us an email or fill out our application form within the next three weeks. The position is open to men and women. No particular training is required as training will be provided but comittment is necessary. The team are on call 24 hours a day 7 days a week 365 days per year plus there’s plenty of training !

http://www.doolincoastguard.com/application-form

Doolin Coast Guard members were joined by Killaloe Coast Guard and Kilrush and Galway RNLI members for a training exercise in Lahinch. Lahinch Rescue took part also with their D-Class. Following a briefing , mixed teams of IRCG members and RNLI members,  took to the water to practice casualty recovery from the boats to the shore while others practiced capsize drills with two other training boats anchored off shore. Once a team had taken their casualty ashore they were taken out to the capsize boats , while Lahinch Rescue stood by with their D-Class.

The excercise was enjoyed by all teams. Thanks to the Killaloe Coast Guard Team who took along their D-Class and to Galway and Kilrush RNLI teams for travelling to take part and also Lahinch Rescue for their assistance.

Doolin , Inis Oírr, North Aran and Costelloe Bay Coast Guard Units ,the Shannon based Coast Guard Helicopter and the OPW participated together  in several exercises at Dún Aengus , Inis Mór. Teams practiced scenarios where they treated and then stretcher evacuated casualties to an area where they could then be airlifted by the helicopter.