A father and son were rescued today, having being washed overboard from their kayak, thanks to the vigilance of Beach Lifeguards based at Tracht / Kinvarra.

Lifeguards Mark Buckley and Niall Hanley contacted the Coast Guard shortly after 3pm this afternoon when they became concerned about two kayakers who had set out earlier from Tracht beach.

Valentia Coast Guard station immediately launched a search operation; tasking Galway Bay RNLI, R115 the Shannon based Coast Guard helicopter, and Doolin Coast Guard unit.

Less than one hour after the alert was raised R115 located the casualties. They were then recovered by Galway Bay lifeboat who confirmed that casualties were safe and well.