Two teenagers were rescued from the sea off Clonea Beach in Co Waterford yesterday afternoon.
The incident happened after 5pm when two boys got into difficulty.
They were helped from the water by a member of the public who had been helping at a nearby swimming class and was carrying a buoyancy aid.
The Helvick Head lifeboat was launched to the incident after a report was made to the Coast Guard and cleared the beach when the boys were helped ashore, allowing the Waterford-based Rescue 117 helicopter to land.
The two boys were assessed and found to be safe and well but were brought to hospital for observation as a precaution.
Speaking following the call-out, Helvick Head RNLI Launching Authority Sean Walsh thanked the members of the public who helped with the rescue.
"The volunteer lifeboat crew and the Coast Guard carry out regular joint training exercises so when the call comes to work together in a genuine emergency, we all know what to do," he said, before reminding people not to put themselves at any unnecessary risk and.
He added that if anyone sees somebody in trouble on the water or along the coast, to ring the emergency services and ask for the Coast Guard.
