Updated 20.12

TWO CHILDREN WERE rescued this morning after their inflatable ring buoy floated out to sea in Kerry.

Valentia Coast Guard received what they described as a “frantic 999 call” from a local who saw the seven and 10-year-old drift from the shoreline after getting caught in an off-shore breeze.

The children’s father made an attempt to swim out to save them but was stopped by a local Ballybunion man who made the emergency call.

Three and a half minutes later the Ballybunion rescue boat was launched and brought the children back to shore.

Drownings

Eleven people have drowned since the current spell of good weather began – the recent drowning victim was discovered this morning in a Co Tipperary quarry. The 65-year-old local man was last seen swimming in the Ahenny quarry in Carrick-on-Suir yesterday evening.

Meanwhile, a 24-year-old man drowned in Co Donegal yesterday afternoon, while 34-year-old James Kincaid also drowned whilst swimming in the river in Newtownstewart, Co Tyrone yesterday evening.

Irish Water Safety, the coast guard and the gardaí have renewed their appeal for people to be extra vigilant when in the water.

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