Roped swimming lanes 'would make Lene safer'

Rope-segregated swimming lanes would make Lough Lene safer for all swimmers, a local councillor told officials of the Mullingar Kinnegad Municipal meeting at the May meeting of the authority.

Cllr Alfie Devine called for the installation of buoyed swimming lanes at The Cut, saying the increasingly busy bathing area now had more serious swimmers and children sharing the same space, leading to avoidable safety risks.

He said that while the existing cordoned-off area works well at quieter times, peak summer usage was creating “mixing” between swimmers and other water users, forcing stronger swimmers into deeper and potentially more dangerous water.

“It’s just as simple as a couple of roped lanes,” he said. “Put in a couple of lanes where swimmers can actually swim safely and not be bumping into other water users.”

Cllr Devine said local swimmers had requested the measure, alongside other small improvements such as changing shelter facilities, and argued that it would mirror basic lane systems used in swimming pools.

The District Office confirmed it will liaise with the Westmeath County Council water safety officer and local swimming groups in relation to the proposal.

Cllr Niall Gaffney seconded the motion, saying water safety was “inherently connected” to organised use of outdoor bathing areas and that segregation of swimming space would reduce risks during busy periods.

He said not all users of Lough Lene were experienced swimmers and that the current layout could lead to confusion between casual bathers and those training or swimming longer distances.

Cllr David Jones also supported the proposal, noting that Lough Lene attracts visitors from across the region during the summer months and plays an increasing role in local tourism. He said the site would benefit from continued investment and improved management given its popularity.

Cllr Emily Wallace added her support, saying outdoor swimming facilities were increasingly important and that relatively simple safety measures could make a significant difference. She said the proposal would both improve safety and help sustain the role of Lough Lene as a key recreational amenity in the county.