Swimmer recovering in hospital after rescue from Waterford lough

A swimmer is recovering in hospital after being rescued from a lake in Co Waterford.

The rescue took place at 1.48pm on Saturday when the man got into difficulty while swimming in Lough Mohra, Rathgormack.

Two friends who were in the water with the man came to his aid prior to emergency services arriving at the lake which attracts a lot of day trippers and campers.

A joint rescue by emergency services involved South Eastern Mountain Rescue Association (Semra), Irish Coast Guard Sikorsky S-92 Helicopter Rescue 117 and gardaí.

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“The man was not breathing originally but came to and started coughing up water after another friend provided essential emergency CPR. Knowing these skills is so important in any type of emergency situation,” a Semra spokesperson said.

“Even with there being easy access to the area, it would have taken a period of time for us to get there. In a situation like this every second counts so the fact that a person knew CPR was very lucky for this swimmer.

“After initial medical assessment the casualty was escorted to the R117 helicopter and was winched on board by the Coastguard winchman. R117 departed with the casualty at 14:46 and air lifted him to hospital.”

Semra’s team doctor assessed and treated other people at the scene who had earlier entered the water to provide assistance to the casualty.

The spokesperson added: “It was a frightening event for all those involved. We wish the casualty well and hope he makes a full recovery.”

The man remains under medical observation at University Hospital Waterford.