Bundoran RNLI lifeboat last night (Saturday 19 September 2009) saved three people who were swept out to sea off the coast of Bundoran in county Donegal. The three included two swimmers and a member of the public who went to their aid when they got into difficulty.
An onlooker raised the alarm when they saw two people swimming in the sea getting into difficult. Another member of the public then entered the water to attempt to rescue the two swimmers only to get into difficulty themselves when all three were swept out to sea by a large wave.
The lifeboat was launched and on scene in five minutes. All three people were rescued from the water and brought ashore on the lifeboat, where they given medical attention by members of the ambulance service.
Speaking after the rescue, Tony McGowan, Bundoran RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager said; " The sea is unpredictable and a change in tides can catch swimmers unaware. In this case a huge wave took the swimmers out to sea and they found themselves in difficulty. Thanks to the quick action by a member of the public we were able to respond to this distress call and ensure the three people were brought to shore safely. We ask all people in or around the water to always stay vigilant and remember if you are going to enjoy the water always tell someone where you are going and what time you are expected back at."