Sir, - At least three swimmers nearly lost their lives at the Forty Foot, Sandycove, on Christmas morning. Many others got into difficulty as the deceptively strong waves overpowered them and hurled them against the rocks and walls.
Many regular local swimmers sensed the danger from early morning, but unsuccessfully warned the never-ending surge of enthusiastic and naive Christmas day swimmers. There were no lifeguards and nobody was in control.
The screams of a mother whose young boy was swept away by a sudden freak wave and the sight of a teenage girl being bounced at great speed from rock to wall to rock, were horrific. I hope they are both all right.
The Christmas morning swim at the Forty Foot is a great event, and becoming increasingly popular. But lifeguards and stewards are vital. - Yours, etc.,
Niall Coleman,
Corrig Avenue, Dun Laoghaire, Co Dublin.