Warning after swimmers ‘cut through ice’ at Gortin Lake

A RECENT surge in the popularity of cold water swimming appears to have led some enthusiasts to cut through the ice at Gortin Lakes last week.

On Thursday, the local PSNI urged people not to go near the frozen water. “We have had reports of groups intending on going cold water swimming especially in the Gortin area by cutting holes in the ice. Please do not attempt this as you cannot predict how the ice will cope with weight on it,” said a police spokesperson in a social media post.

“The emergency and health services are strained enough without having to deal with a possible incident where someone gets trapped by ice not to mention there could be issues regarding Health Protection Regulations.”

Over the last year, many more people have taken the plunge into cold water swimming, which is believed to have a number of mental and physical health benefits.

Locally, a growing number of swimmers have been gathering at Loughmacrory for daily swims in the outdoors.