A 51-year-old man was in a critical condition in hospital last night after he got into difficulty while swimming in Co Clare.
The incident occurred at about 5.30pm at White Strand, about 4km from Spanish Point in the west of the county.
It is understood that the man, named locally as Seán O’Sullivan from Ennis, had been swimming at the small but popular beach at the time.
A lifeguard on duty at the beach observed someone in difficulty in the water and ran to his aid. With the help of others, the lifeguard brought Mr O’Sullivan ashore and quickly commenced efforts to resuscitate him.
An ambulance was dispatched from Ennistymon while a rapid response advanced paramedic unit from Ennis was also sent to the scene.
The HSE ambulance service also alerted the Irish Coast Guard to the incident and requested the assistance of the Shannon-based rescue helicopter. The Doolin unit of the Coast Guard was also mobilised to the incident and sent teams by sea and road.