A blocked slipway could cost someone their life – that’s the warning to careless motorists who choose to park in the designated yellow box on slipways such as Downings.
One of the Mulroy Coast Guard’s call-outs was delayed last weekend because rescue personnel had to locate the owners of vehicles obstructing the Downings slipway.
There were multiple instances of vehicles blocking the yellow box during the sunny weekend.
“Every second counts during a rescue. A blocked slipway doesn’t just slow us down — it could cost someone their life,” said Frankie Boyce, Officer in Charge at Mulroy Coast Guard.
“Blocking it delays our volunteer crew’s ability to respond swiftly when lives are at risk. As a busy seaside village, we warmly welcome all visitors, but we ask everyone to be mindful of the signage and where they park. We thank everyone for their continued support and cooperation. Your awareness and action can help us save lives and ensure the safety of our coastline and community.”
That warning comes after a similar incident in Bundoran, where four vehicles were illegally blocking the lifeboat slipway by parking on a yellow box.
Yellow boxes on piers are a critical access area — a zone that must remain clear at all times to allow for the rapid launch of the rescue boat during emergencies. Blocking the yellow box and slipway directly affects a Coast Guard unit’s ability to launch.
The Irish Coast Guard are calling on all beachgoers, pier users, and members of the public to:
- Avoid parking or stopping in the yellow box
- Be mindful of signage and slipway markings
- Help spread awareness about the importance of keeping emergency routes clear
