The RNLI has launched a free text message service to try and stop people getting caught out by the tides when travelling to Coney Island in Co Sligo.

Sligo Bay RNLI has responded to numerous incidents around Coney Island that relate to tidal cut off, and activities around the sandbanks and tidal channels.

It’s hoped the new text messaging system, along with signage with the numbers to text, will help prevent further incidents.

Speaking at the launch of Text Coney today, Rogan Wheeldon, RNLI Community Incident Reduction Manager said: “This is a perfect example of a community on the coast identifying a risk and working collaboratively to help save lives at sea.”

Joe Henderson, Sligo Bay RNLI Coastal Safety Officer added: ‘Over recent years our lifeboat crew at Sligo Bay RNLI has been called out many times to rescue people who have been caught out by the tide.

“As part of the RNLI’s work in prevention of accidental drowning we now have this wonderful texting system in place with good signage here at The Causeway and we really want to make people aware that is here and encourage locals and visitors alike to get texting when planning a visit to the beautiful Coney Island.”