A Waterford man who says he owes his life to the RNLI has appealed to people to support their Christmas appeal.
Fifty-five year old Michael Power was swimming at the Guillamene in Tramore last January when he got caught in a strong rip current.
Although a regular swimmer, Michael began to run out of energy and panic. Luckily people nearby spotted that he was in difficulty and contacted the nearby Tramore RNLI:
"People noticed that I was in difficulty and the phoned the RNLI. By the time the RNLI came, I had got hypothermia and I had passed out. I really owe my life to the RNLI, because if it wasn't for them, I wouldn't be here. When they arrived I was unconscious they carried out CPR and brought me back to life."
Michael was transferred by helicopter to University Hospital Waterford where he made a full recovery.
The lifeboat was crewed by brothers David and Fergal McGrath and Alec Fitzmaurice. They kept Michael's googles and swim cap and made a little presentation to him when he visited the station after his recovery.
Michael wants to thank his rescuers by calling on people to support the RNLI’s Christmas appeal and donate to the charity that saves lives at sea and on inland waters.
The charity's traditional community fundraising events have had to be cancelled due to the coronavirus restrictions. Also this year the charity has spent funds on PPE, which wasn't budgeted for but needed to be spent to keep its lifesavers and the public protected during the coronavirus crisis.
