A FURTHER two deaths at a Co Antrim harbour and a Co Monaghan lake brings to 10 the number of people killed in swimming-related tragedies across Ireland since last Monday.
A man, whose name had not been released, died after getting into difficulties at Ballintoy Harbour on Monday evening. Police said he died at the scene.
His death comes after a teenage boy, who got into difficulty while swimming in a Co Monaghan lake, died in hospital.
The 14-year-old boy was rescued from Hollywood Lake, Scotstown on Sunday.
Richard Holmes, mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, said: "This distressing incident is a reminder to all of us about the dangers posed by our waters. If you're visiting the coast, please exercise caution and take all steps to keep yourself as safe as possible."
SDLP councillor Margaret Anne McKillop said:
"I would urge people to be careful when swimming in the ocean or local lakes and rivers.
"The number of recent deaths has been tragic and should be a wake-up call to others of the dangers of water, particularly where there is no lifeguard or other monitoring present."
Sinn Féin councillor Cara McShane said "another family has been left heartbroken".
"All of us cannot be careful enough around the coastline, but I would again urge people to be cautious and extremely vigilant when in harbours, loughs and rivers."
Among the most recent deaths was Sharon Perry from Kilkeel, who is believed to have been open water swimming close to Kilkeel harbour.
In another tragedy on the water, an elderly man's body was discovered at Brantry Lough in Eglish, Co Tyrone.
A man in his 60s died after swimming off Dollymount Strand in north Dublin on Friday, while three adults died in three separate incidents in Co Fermanagh, on the Longford-Cavan border, and in Co Leitrim.
A 15-year-old boy lost his life at Lough Sheelin, at a meeting point of counties Westmeath, Meath and Cavan, while Jay Moffett (13) died after going into water in Scarva, Co Down.
Meanwhile, a man spent almost 11 hours in the water in Co Louth after his inflatable dinghy capsized.
The man, who is in his 40s and believed to be from Newry, was rescued on Monday night after he drifted out to sea at Whitestown Beach in Dundalk.
