Lough Ree RNLI assist in rescue of swimmer in difficulty off Athlone

At 6.56pm yesterday, (23 May 2018), Lough Ree RNLI was requested by the Irish Coast Guard in Malin Head to launch their inshore lifeboat following reports of a swimmer in difficulty at the Golden Mile, south of the motorway bridge, just north of Athlone town. Conditions were clear and bright with a slight breeze.

The inshore lifeboat, The Eric Rowse helmed by Stan Bradbury and with crew members Tom Bradbury and Kieran Scullion onboard launched and was on scene at 7.18pm and immediately commenced searching for the swimmer. Members of the public who were nearby also helped in the search.

The lifeboat crew quickly located the swimmer and with the assistance of Athlone Sub-Aqua Club she was brought onboard the lifeboat and the lifeboat crew started to administer casualty care.

The casualty was brought to the Sub Aqua Club where the lifeboat crew continued to administer casualty care until the National Ambulance Service arrived on scene and took over, with continued assistance from members of the lifeboat crew. The casualty was then transferred to Irish Coast Guard Helicopter, Rescue 118 from Sligo, which brought her to University Hospital Galway for further treatment.

Speaking this morning, Sarah Bradbury, Lough Ree RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer, said: 'All at Lough Ree RNLI would like to extend their best wishes to the swimmer for a speedy recovery.

'While we may be experiencing some warmer weather at the moment, we would remind everyone planning on enjoying the River Shannon and Lough Ree that the water temperature is still very cold.'

Ends

RNLI media contacts

For more information please contact Sarah Bradbury Lough Ree RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer Tel: 087 1210658 email: [email protected] or Nuala McAloon RNLI Regional Media Officer Tel: 087 6483547 email: [email protected] or Niamh Stephenson RNLI Regional Media Manager Tel: 087 1254 124 / 01 8900 460 email [email protected].

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The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,000 lives.

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