Urgent water safety concerns at Coosan Point raised by local councillor

Athlone councillor Jamie Moran has voiced concern about water safety at Coosan Point, saying there have been a number of near-misses recently in which swimmers were almost struck by people using boats or jet skis.

Cllr Moran (pictured above at Coosan Point) said he witnessed some close calls where people were swimming in close proximity to boats, and he was worried that if action was not taken there could be serious consequences.

"There are jet skis and speedboats travelling at very high speed in the area that's for swimmers, and people jumping into the area of water that's designated for cruisers," he said.

"There's widespread concern from boat users that it's only a matter of time before someone is badly injured or even killed on the water."

The Independent councillor said he would be raising the matter at next month's meeting of the Athlone Moate Municipal District, and he wanted to see a meeting arranged between the council, Waterways Ireland, the Gardai, Athlone Sub Aqua Club and Lough Ree RNLI.

Cllr Moran said he wasn't blaming anyone in particular for the current situation, but he felt action was needed to make the popular amenity site safer.

"Two weeks ago, I witnessed a fishing boat driving through the main channel at a slow speed when I heard roaring and shouting from a swimmer who was giving out to the fisherman.

"In this case, the fisherman was in the right - the man who was in the water had no balloon out to show that he was swimming.

"I want to see everybody enjoy themselves but in a safe manner, and people should also have respect for the residents who live there, and not have loud music going day and night.

"The residents and locals feel that the situation is out of control, and the anglers are deeply concerned," he added.

"Westmeath County Council are in control of the land and the road at Coosan Point, Waterways Ireland are in control of the jetty for the cruisers, and the water. The Gardai have a role to play in making sure it is policed, and in fairness to the RNLI and Athlone Sub Aqua Club, if something goes wrong, they are the first people to the scene.

"I think if we all sit around the table, and come up with proper solutions, we could ease the fears of locals," he said.

"We're not trying to stop people from coming to Coosan Point, we just want to make it so that people can come and enjoy themselves and be safe."