Local woman critical after swimming accident

 

A local woman believed to be in her mid 40s is in a critical condition in University Hospital Galway this morning after a swimming accident last night.

Shortly before 7pm last night, Lough Ree RNLI volunteers were were tasked by the Irish Coast Guard in Malin Head to reports of a swimmer in difficulty at the Golden Mile, south of the motorway bridge, just north of Athlone town. The area is known locally as Number 1.

Inshore Lifeboat, The Eric Rowse with helm Stan Bradbury and crew Tom Bradbury and Kieran Scullion were on scene at 7.18pm and immediately commenced searching for the swimmer with of the public who were nearby also helping. The lifeboat crew quickly located the swimmer and with the assistance of Athlone Sub-Aqua Club, who were asked to assist Lough Ree RNLI, she was brought onboard the lifeboat and the lifeboat crew started to administer casualty care.

The woman was then 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 woman was then transferred to Irish Coast Guard Helicopter, Rescue 118, who brought her to University Hospital Galway for further treatment.

Speaking this morning Lough Ree RNLI Lifeboat Press Officer, Sarah Bradbury said “While we may be experiencing warmer weather at the moment, the water temperature is still very cold. We would urge anyone planning on enjoying the River Shannon and Lough Ree to keep this in mind before getting in for a swim.”

Athlone Sub Aqua Club also advised people not to swim alone. And if someone gets into difficulty near or on the water don’t hesitate and call 112/999 and ask for the Coastguard.