Call for lifeguard at lake after swimmer dies after getting into difficulty 

The man was taken from the water and brought by ambulance to Midland Regional Hospital

Calls are being made for there to be a full-time lifeguard to be put in place at a Co Laois lake after a man drowned at the spot on Saturday.

The tragic incident occurred at Derryounce Lake, around 2km from Portarlington at 3.30pm.

It is understood that the man, aged in his 60s, was there with a group of friends, but got into difficulty while swimming at the popular tourist attraction.

Ambulance units, gardaí and local emergency volunteers were called to the scene and rushed to Portlaoise Hospital where he was pronounced dead a short time later.

A Garda spokesperson said: “At approximately 3:30pm on Saturday July 16, Gardaí and emergency services were alerted.A man in his 60s got into difficulty while swimming at Derryounce Lake, Portarlington, Co Laois.

“He was taken from the water and removed from the scene by ambulance to Portlaoise General Hospital but was pronounced dead a short time later.

“Gardaí are treating the matter as a tragic accident. A file will be prepared for the Coroner.” Derryounce Lakes Fishery have previously warned the public that it is unsafe to swim there but it is a popular bathing spot. The lakes are dangerous with many sudden drop off and soft areas of lake bed and other hazards including pathogens.

Derryounce Lake was formed artificially through the digging of a hollow down to the sand layer below the peat. Some of this sand was deposited at the edge of the lake and it now forms an unofficial inland beach often frequented by families and individuals in summer months.

A local woman who saw the tragedy unfold, but who does not wish to be named said: “There needs to be a full-time lifeguard there during the summer months as it is a popular place to swim despite there being warning signing that it can be dangerous.

“It was very sad and distressing watching the tragedy unfold as people desperately tried to help. My thoughts and sympathies are with his family and friends.” 

The man’s death brings to three the number of people who have drowned since the start of the extended dry spell over the past week.