Tributes are rolling in for a heroic mother who died while trying to save her son's life when he was struggling to stay afloat in the ocean.
Joanna Wisniowska died off the coast of Ballycroneen strand in Cork, Ireland on Sunday afternoon (25 June).
The 34-year-old had waded into the water to help her 10-year-old son, who began experiencing difficulty in the water.
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After getting her son safely to the rocks, she herself was swept away in a rip current.
Rescue services were soon on the scene, with helicopters saving the boy from the rocks while the mother was lifted out from deeper waters.
She was unresponsive and was declared dead shortly after when desperate attempts to stabilise her condition proved unsuccessful.
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Her son was treated for shock and minor cuts from the rocks, but did not suffer any life-threatening injuries.
Wisniowska, originally from Poland, had been living in Ireland for several years with her husband and two children.
She worked within the tourism-hospitality industry and was a licensed massage therapist.
The whole family were reportedly big fans of water sports.
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East Ferry Rowing Club paid a heartfelt tribute to the deceased.
A club official said: "It was with shock and great sadness that we learned today of the tragic passing of Joanna Wisniowśka.
"We would like to extend our deepest condolences to Maciej, her partner, Stanisław, her son, Zofia, her daughter and all extended family and friends.
"Maciej and Stanisław are both rowers with East Ferry Rowing Club.
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"Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by today's tragic news. May Joanna rest in peace."
A local politician in East Cork, Pat Buckley, also spoke of the tragic event.
Buckley said: "It was such a tragic loss of life this weekend in east Cork.
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"That young fella was rowing yesterday morning with East Ferry Rowing Club in a regatta. They probably went off [to the beach] celebrating. Ballycroneen is a beautiful beach but there can be riptides there.
"It is absolutely devastating for the family but it is devastating for the club as well. The young fella and the young girl rowed with the club so they were all well known. The rowing club is a huge community in itself.
"I want to extend my deepest condolences to the family of Joanna Wisniowska, her children and partner and her extended family.
"Joanna and her family were deeply rooted in the community and her children rowed with East Ferry Rowing Club. May she rest in peace."
Featured Image Credit: Family handout / Google Maps