A wild swimmer has urged parents to be aware of the dangers open water poses after two children got into difficulties while paddle boarding on Lough Neagh on Bank Holiday Monday.
Gill Scott and her swimming buddy Hilary Allen were heading for their evening dip at Oxford Island when they came across the youngsters who were caught in strong winds.
Ms Scott told Belfast Live the women were simply in "the right place at the right time" to help the girls, no older than 12, who had been trying to get ashore for around 30 minutes.
When their whistles to the shore went unanswered, swimmers Jeni Lyttle, Julie Stewart and Amber Teggart also came to their aid.
"We were heading out to the buoy when we came across two young girls - and I mean young - in difficulties on a paddle board," she explained in a post to Northern Ireland Open Water Swimming.
"We asked if they were okay, which they weren’t they had been caught by the Lough Neagh currents and had been struggling to get to shore for half an hour. We reassured them and started to blow our whistle and shout for help."
Since "nobody answered" their call for help, Gill said "we started to push them to shore".
"Luckily other women swimming realised our situation and came to help and between us all we were able to get the girls, plus paddle board, and at the same time reassure the young girls," she continued.
"Needless to say when they got to shore the girl that had been paddling nearly collapsed with exhaustion.
"The sad thing was people heard our whistle but carried on talking," she added.
"The parents were unaware of how Lough Neagh can change and needless to say were very thankful and distressed themselves.
"I think people should be more aware if they hear a whistle it means someone needs help. But it was a good result for a good team of open swimmers!"
"We would just like parents to be aware of paddle boards and the danger," Gill told Belfast Live.
A Lough Neagh Rescue spokesperson has advised people never to swim or paddle alone on the lough as the wind can change the direction of the water suddenly.
They added: "In case of Emergency Dial 999 ask for the coastguard. Never swim or paddle alone. Don’t take risks.
"The wind can change direction constantly. Wear a lifejacket or buoyancy aid. Always have a means of communication. Tell people where you are going. Give a time for leaving and returning."
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