Two children swept out to sea following strong winds and currents along Ireland's west coast

TWO children were swept out to sea in separate incidents following strong winds and currents along Ireland's west coast.

A five-year-old girl was taken to hospital after being rescued in the Shannon Estuary when a lilo float was swept out to sea near Littor Beach in Kerry at around 2pm yesterday.

A Rescue 115 helicopter winch operator entered the water and stayed with the girl until they were taken to shore by Kilrush lifeboat and flown to University Hospital Kerry.

A short time later a six-year-old boy was recovered from the water at Renville in Co Galway after being swept out to sea on a surf board.

The Rescue 118 helicopter and two lifeboats from Clifden was tasked by Malin Coastguard and an alert issued for all local vessels to respond.

He was picked up by a currach and taken ashore where he did not need further medical attention.

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