Killarney, Co Kerry — A young man in his 20s has tragically died after getting into difficulty while swimming in the River Flesk in Killarney on Tuesday afternoon.
The incident occurred at approximately 3.30pm, when the man was seen struggling in the water. Emergency services, including gardaí, fire crews, and paramedics, were quickly alerted to the scene. Despite efforts to assist him, he was removed from the river and pronounced dead shortly afterwards.
A post-mortem examination will be carried out to establish the exact cause of death, and a file will be prepared for the coroner. Gardaí have confirmed they are treating the matter as a tragic accident.
The River Flesk, which flows through the scenic town of Killarney, is a popular spot for locals and visitors during the summer months. Authorities have urged the public to exercise caution around open water, particularly during warmer weather, when swimming activity increases.
This latest incident has renewed calls for water safety awareness in Ireland, especially for young adults who may underestimate the strength of river currents. Water Safety Ireland advises swimmers to be vigilant, avoid swimming alone, and be aware of hidden dangers beneath the surface.