Carrybridge RNLI rescued eight people in three separate incidents within a seven-hour period during the weekend.

The first rescue occurred at around 1.10pm on Saturday, September 7, when Carrybridge RNLI's inshore lifeboat diverted to help a six-metre vessel, with four people on board, which had suffered engine difficulties.

The lifeboat crew found the vessel drifting near the reed bank in the main navigation channel about 2.5 miles downstream from Carrybridge.

The four people on board were safe and wearing lifejackets, and the master of the vessel reported that their engine kept stopping.

Given the vessel's location and the extreme heat conditions, the crew decided to set up an astern tow to return the vessel to Carrybridge.

The first vessel having been safely secured at the public jetty in Carrybridge, the lifeboat team continued on their journey towards the Enniskillen RNLI Lifeboat Station.

But at 7.05pm, they were waved down by a person on a seven-metre vessel which had suffered engine difficulties.

The vessel was in the main navigation channel in the centre of Enniskillen, about 500 metres from the Round 'O' public jetty.

The crew found the person on board safe and well.

Due to the vessel's location in a busy navigation channel, the crew set up an alongside tow and brought the vessel to the public jetties at the Round 'O'.

The third call-out of the day came at 7.50pm when the crew were alerted by a person on a jetski, at Bellanaleck public jetties.

They were informed by the person on board that three family members on board a seven-metre sports boat had encountered fuel problems about one mile downstream from Bellanaleck, in the direction of Enniskillen.

The lifeboat crew located the vessel drifting in the main navigation channel.

The three people on board were safe and wearing lifejackets.

With the master's permission, the crew set up an astern tow and brought the vessel back to Bellanaleck public jetties.

Chris Cathcart, volunteer helm at Carrybridge RNLI, said: "This was a busy few hours for the volunteer crew, whilst the lake became very busy with people making the most of the exceptionally good weather which we encountered over the weekend.

"Before setting out on your journey we would urge all boat owners to carry out regular maintenance checks on your vessel, make sure you have the relevant charts required before starting your journey, lifejackets for all on board, and a means of calling for assistance if you find yourself in trouble.

"If you see someone in trouble on the water or are in difficulties yourself the number to dial is 999 or 112, and ask for the Coastguard."