Shocking video footage has shown two Irish youths jumping into the sea at Salthill, Galway, in the midst of Storm Desmond.

A Status Red weather warning remains in place as adverse weather conditions sweep across the country, with winds of 120km recorded in some areas.

Two unnamed teenagers, believed to be locals, were captured on camera jumping into the raging waters at the famous Blackrock location on the Salthill promenade.

The youths are seen battling to hold on before jumping into the waters as a third person looks on.

Both leave the scene unscathed but there has been a huge reaction online since the video was published and viewed more than 200,000 times.

“This is lunacy at its greatest great footage,” wrote one person.

“Pure and utter madness,” wrote another with a general theme of condemnation for the actions of the pair.

Cathal Devlin said he posted the video to highlight “the absolute madness and stupidity of what these youngsters are doing”.

“I do not know if they are strong swimmers or not, that is not the case, if any one of them got into difficulties there was no one there to do anything for them. The voluntary and rescue services are kept busy enough without having to worry about this type of stupid behaviour,” he said.

“Please God, everyone will have a happy Christmas, perhaps it could have been very different. I would like to make it very clear that I or anyone else do not condone or see any "macho" side to this incident.

“In a couple of hours this video clip received 168,000 views across the globe and everyone is of the same opinion "fools", "eejits", "morons" and worse. Count your blessings and do not, ever, repeat this type of stunt."

Online Editors