Fermanagh footballers swept out to sea in Bundoran - BBC News
The Fermanagh team had been training in Bundoran and had entered the water to cool down.
Rip currents can catch out even experienced swimmers

A group of youth footballers were rescued from the water near Bundoran, County Donegal, on Saturday after being swept out to sea and into rocks by a rip current.

The Fermanagh Super Cup team had been training on Tullan Strand on Saturday morning and had entered the water to cool down after their session.

An inshore lifeboat and a Sligo based rescue helicopter attended the scene.

The lifeboat crew gave first aid to eight of the players, some whom were bruised and had swallowed sea water, before ambulances arrived.

A number of the casualties were taken to Sligo University Hospital as a precaution.

The chairperson of County Fermanagh Super Cup NI Dessie Kerr has confirmed that their premier team were on a "team building exercise" in the area.

He said: "We are pleased to say that all the boys are alright.

"Our attention at this minute is making sure that the boys are looked after and in time we will look at exactly what happened."

"We are glad and relieved that all involved have now returned home safely and we will be supporting all affected, in any way that we can, over the coming days," he added.

Following the incident, Bundoran RNLI helm James Cassidy warned potential visitors to the area about the dangers of rip currents.

"We would remind locals and visitors alike that Tullan Strand and particularly the area along the cliffs is notorious for rip currents and under currents and is really not suitable for swimming," he said.

"Rips are strong currents running out to sea which can catch even the most experienced beachgoers out.

"Should you get caught in a rip, the best advice is to stay calm and don't panic. If you can stand, wade. Don't try to swim.

"If you have an inflatable or board, keep hold of it to help you float. Raise your hand and shout for help loudly. Don't swim directly against the rip or you will get exhausted."

He added that people should "swim parallel to the beach until free of the rip, then make for shore".