Experienced open water swimmer Paddy McNamara has appealed to people to be mindful of sea safety after he rescued a young man from Galway Bay yesterday.
McNamara pulled the man in his early twenties from the water after he got into difficulties seconds after jumping off the Blackrock tower in Salthill.
The man was taken to University Hospital, Galway where he received treatment for suspected cold water shock.
McNamara, a Galway native and year-round long-distance sea athlete since the age of 11, had just had coffee after his own swim on Monday morning when the incident occurred.
“I had changed and had had my coffee and croissant, and was talking to some other swimmers at the time,” he said.
Together with several others, he threw a lifebuoy to the young man, who was with three other friends.
When the young man wasn’t able to hold onto the buoy, McNamara threw off his coat and swam in his clothes to reach him.
He helped the young man to safety, where he was assisted ashore.
“Jumping in at this time of year is at risk of cold water shock...people have to realise that the sea is not the same every day,” McNamara said.
The surge in interest in sea swimming into the winter months during the pandemic has led to an increase in incidents involving rescue agencies.
Water Safety Ireland, the Irish Coast Guard and RNLI issued appeals last week to take precautions and check weather forecasts and tides, after eight rescues in the space of four days.
Last weekend, fishermen Patrick and Morgan Oliver recorded another rescue when they assisted a swimmer who required help at Palmer's Rock off Salthill.
