A SWIMMER HAS died after getting into difficulty in the water in Howth this afternoon.

The man in his 20s died after getting into difficulty swimming at a beach known locally as Hidden Beach near the Baily lighthouse, close by to Whitewater Brook.  

His body was taken from the water by the Irish Coastguard and has been removed to Beaumont Hospital.

The Irish Coast Guard Rescue coordination centre received a 999 call reporting a man in difficulty in the sea near Thormanby Road in Howth, 

The Irish Coast Guard tasked the Howth Coast Guard Rescue team along with Howth RNLI lifeboat and Coast Guard helicopter Rescue 116.

The Coast Guard rescue team arrived on scene and brought the casualty ashore.

Paramedics from Dublin fire brigade and the National Ambulance Service treated the casualty at the scene.

Coast Guard Rescue 116 winched the casualty aboard before he was brought to Beaumont Hospital.

No foul play is suspected, with the incident being treated as a tragic accident.

“We encourage people to take care near the water during the Easter weekend and to contact the Coast Guard at 999 or 112 if they think they see someone in trouble. If possible and safe to do so to remain at the scene until help has arrived,” said the Howth Coast Guard.