Woman struck by dolphin

A WOMAN was removed by ambulance to hospital with abdominal injuries last Sunday after being struck by a bottle-nose dolphin while swimming off the pier in Doolin.

The woman, believed to be a visitor to the area, was assisted by the lifeguard on duty, while the Doolin unit of the Irish Coast Guard provided first aid before she was removed to hospital.

The latest incident has prompted Clare Water Safety Officer, Liam Griffin, to renew his appeal to bathers to adhere to the instructions of lifeguards on duty at Doolin.
Because of previous incidents where swimmers had sustained injuries when struck by the dolphin, lifeguards stationed in Doolin fly the red danger flag any time the dolphin enters the waters near the pier.

“People continue to ignore warnings that they should not swim with the dolphin. We’ve issued the warnings, so too the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group.
“People should also be conscious of the fact that the dolphin has injured people in the past. People have been injured in the White Strand and Fanore and ended up in hospital.

“You can never be sure how the dolphin will react. She’s  big and powerful and it’s best stay away from her,” he said.