Athlone Sub Aqua members praised for assisting rower in distress

Athlone Sub Aqua Club has paid tribute to two of its members who came to the aid of a rower in distress yesterday evening.

Declan Donohoe and Derry McMahon were on the river when they spotted a young rower's boat had capsized and his foot was trapped inside.

"While the rowers' support craft were able to hold the rowers head above the water, they were unable to free the rowers' trapped foot," the club's social media post said today (Thursday).

"Thankfully, Declan and Derry were close by! The rower's foot was freed and they safely returned home without medical attention.

"Well done to both Declan and Derry," Athlone Sub Aqua Club said in tribute to their quick thinking actions.

Athlone Boat Club, in a statement, said it would like to thank the members of Athlone Sub Aqua Club for their "quick response" to assist its crews and coaches.

The Boat Club President Paul Donovan said the club's coaches are well trained to respond to such situations and its safety boats are equipped with lifesaving equipment and first aid gear.

"Our rowers are well educated with how to react in such situations. In this situation, the crew reacted exactly with how they are trained, in a cool and calm manner," he added.

The club said it was fortunate on this occasion to have the Sub Aqua Club assist its well-trained coaches and crew.

Paul added: "We have a close friendship with Athlone Sub Aqua Club and in conjunction with them we have held joint training water safety exercises in the past. We are lucky to have Coosan Point where all junior rowers partake in capsize drills for such situations when they join the club."