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Teenager rescued from Emy Lough in critical condition
A 16-year-old boy from County Tyrone remains critically ill after being pulled from Emy Lough near Emyvale, County Monaghan, on Monday evening.
Rescue efforts at the scene
The incident occurred around 17:00 local time when local swimmers Dzintra McConnon and Johnny McConnell noticed the boy struggling in the water. McConnon told RTÉ News she saw the teenager submerge for an unusually long time before alerting her companion.
"I said 'something is wrong' and told my friend 'let's swim there'," she recounted. The pair managed to reach the boy, bring him ashore, and administer CPR until emergency services arrived. Gardaí confirmed the teenager received on-site treatment before being airlifted to Dublin's Mater Hospital.
Community reacts with shock and support
Local officials expressed devastation over the incident. Fine Gael councillor Pauric Clerkin, representing Monaghan, said the community was united in hoping for the boy's recovery. "We just wanted to send our thoughts to the family," he told RTÉ News.
Sinn Féin councillor Bronagh McAree echoed the sentiment, describing the Emyvale community as "heartbroken." She added that her daughter, who had also been at the lough, was deeply affected by witnessing the aftermath. "It really brought home how quickly lives can change," McAree said.
Recent spike in water-related fatalities
The incident at Emy Lough follows a series of drowning tragedies across the UK and Ireland in recent days. On Sunday, 15-year-old Abbie Carmody-Pepper died during an outing at a County Dublin beach. Meanwhile, authorities in Lancashire are searching for a 12-year-old boy who went missing while swimming in a river.
Bank Holiday Monday saw three teenagers drown in separate incidents in West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, and Warwickshire. Another 15-year-old boy drowned in a lake near Lincoln on Sunday.
Water safety experts issue urgent warnings
Carl Kennedy, a water safety officer with Portrush RNLI, highlighted the dangers of cold water shock. He told the BBC's Good Morning Ulster that north coast waters currently measure around 11°C-far colder than recent air temperatures of 25-30°C.
"If you're going into water that cold, it will create quite a bit of cold water shock in the body. If you feel a gasping reaction for air, that's not a good time to try to swim your way out."
Carl Kennedy, Portrush RNLI
Kennedy advised anyone experiencing cold water shock to "float to live" by tilting their head back, spreading their arms, and focusing on steady breathing for 60-90 seconds before attempting to swim or call for help. He also urged bystanders to avoid entering deep water to rescue others, warning that such actions often result in multiple casualties.
For unsupervised beaches or waterways, Kennedy recommended assessing risks upon arrival, checking for warning signs or emergency equipment like throw bags, and ensuring a reliable phone signal. "Stay together, especially for kids. Don't go off alone," he added.
