Young man drowns in swimming tragedy in Waterford

The man’s body was quickly located but efforts to revive him proved fruitless

The man drowned at Whiting Bay, approximately 3km from Ardmore, Co Waterford. Picture: John Hennessy

A young man has lost his life in a swimming tragedy in west Waterford.

The 21-year-old, from the Old Parish, Gaeltacht area of the county, is understood to have got into difficulties while swimming with friends at Whiting Bay, some 3km from Ardmore, at around 2pm.

Emergency services, including the Coastguard helicopter, Youghal lifeboat and gardaí rushed to the scene. 

They rescued three people from the water - another two left safely.

The man's body was quickly located but efforts to revive him proved unsuccessful.

He was taken by air ambulance to Cork University Hospital where he was later pronounced deceased.

No-one else was injured.

One of several small inlets in the area, Whiting Bay is a kilometre-long, sandy beach popular with walkers and summer visitors wishing to avoid the busier strand at Ardmore.

However, it is known to be susceptible to high winds and is frequented by surfers, due to sometimes high waves.

The tragedy occurred two hours after high tide amidst dry but breezy conditions.

A file will be prepared for the coroner.