Laois teen swimmer who suffered heart failure saved by coach and teammates

An incredible show of quick thinking and medical training by a Laois swimming club and coach that saved a life last summer, has been recognised with a national award by Water Safety Ireland.

Last June, 14 year old Logan Smyth from Portlaoise was in Barcelona on a swim training camp with Marlins Swim Club when he suffered heart failure in the swimming pool.

His teammates noticed he was in distress. Logan was gasping for breath and appeared to be in pain before he suddenly slipped under the water. His young teammates promptly pulled him up and over to the edge of the pool, with the help of coaches Andy Gunne and Padraic Dolan.

Recognising that Logan had no pulse, Padraic immediately began CPR and called for an AED.

Unfortunately the AED was found to be defective, so Padraic continued CPR himself for about 12 minutes until paramedics arrived. With the aid of a functioning defibrillator, paramedics successfully revived Logan.

Logan was transferred to an ICU in Barcelona before being flown by air ambulance to the Children's Heart Centre in Crumlin. On July 8, he underwent heart surgery and has since begun a new chapter in his life. 

This week the entire swim team with head coach Padraic, took to the stage in O'Reilly Hall, UCD, to accept awards for their bravery from Water Safety Ireland.

Marlins Head Coach Padraic Dolan (right) with Logan Smyth (green shirt) and his teammates, and Valerie Case and Mary Wrafter, examiners with Water Safety Laois at UCD for the 2025 Water Safety Ireland Awards. Photo: Leinster Express

Padraic was presented with the honour of a Des Kenny Award for distinguished acts of bravery. The whole Marlins group were given Rescue Appreciation Awards. They include coach Andy Gunne, Donagher Lead team manager Aisling Lalor team manager, Enda Behan team manager, Mathew Kelly chaperone and Aine MacNamara Chairperson. 

The swimmers are Ewan Behan, Adam Brennan, Caoimhe Buckley, Aisling Condron, Ethan Davy, Amy Donagher, Holly Gunne, Louise Hartnett, Alex Hooney, Sophie Igoe, Kyle Kelly, Maeve Kelly, Issac Kenny, Aoibheann Lalor, Robert Roe, Ignat Samachov, Logan Smyth and Lena Ziernan.

Logan who is a 2nd year student in St Mary's CBS Portlaoise, spoke to the Leinster Express / Laois Live after the awards ceremony.

"I am very grateful for my teammates for getting me out of the pool and to Padraic for saving my life, and to everyone for keeping me supported while I was in hospital with texts and calls. I don't swim at the moment but I hope to get back in the pool," he said.

Padraic who is a clinical nurse skills facilitator in Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise, said the award was for all involved.

"It's a very proud moment to get the award but it's for the full 18 members. They all had to get involved, and the three team managers. It was like he was my son, Logan is with us since he was nine or 10," Padraic said.

Padraic Dolan with his proud wife Theresa at the Water Safety Ireland awards ceremony in UCD. Photo: Leinster Express

In all, 73 individuals were were presented with awards at the Water Safety Ireland national awards ceremony in O'Reilly Hall, UCD on October 21. They include Gda Sergeant Paul O'Shea from Portlaoise who took part in a life saving event in Carlow, and two Mountmellick born journalists, Leinster Express reporter Lynda Kiernan and Irish times reporter Sylvia Thompson who both received media awards.

Over fifty lives were saved from drowning over the past year in Ireland, thanks to the swift and selfless actions of rescuers who were recognised at the ceremony. 

The event also celebrated the enduring dedication of over 70 Water Safety Ireland volunteers who received Long Service Awards, some for up to 50 years, for teaching swimming, water rescue and survival skills. 

Read also: Laois store scoops national award for excellence

Water Safety Ireland CEO is Joanne Walsh.

"These awards shine a light on real-life heroes, ordinary people who made extraordinary decision in moments of crisis. Their actions saved lives and serve as an inspiration to us all.We urge everyone to reflect on these rescues and take time to become more aware of the risks," she said.

Jerry Buttimer, Minister of State at the Department of Rural and Community Affairs and the Gaeltacht, presented the awards while the event was MC'd by Síle Seoige.

Read Water Safety Ireland's guidelines at www.watersafety.ie