Galway RNLI lifeboat rescued a swimmer who got into difficulty off Blackrock beach in Salthill this afternoon during very challenging weather conditions.
The alarm was raised at 12.25 pm by a pedestrian who saw the woman struggling in the water between Blackrock and Ladies Beach, according to the RNLI.
The Irish Coast Guard sought the assistance of the lifeboat which launched from Galway Docks a short time later.
The crew was directed to the woman who was a couple of hundred metres from the shore opposite the Galway Bay Hotel, and the took her on board and brought her back to the lifeboat station - where an ambulance was awaiting with paramedic assistance.
The woman's condition was assessed, and she was able to return home a short time later.
Met Éireann's sea area forecast from 12 noon today had warned of gale-force eight to nine southerly winds for all coastal waters, including the Irish Sea.
RNLI Galway's deputy launch authority Shane Folan noted that there were "very challenging weather conditions, with high winds and breaking surf".
“We would advise anyone thinking of going swimming to let someone else know," he said.
The RNLI Galway lifeboat volunteer crew on the call-out were: David Badger (helmsman), Martin Oliver, Ross Forde and James Rhattigan.