The boy, who was swimming with two friends at Inch Beach in Whitegate, was saved by a member of the nearby Swell Surf School
The staff member spotted the young man and brought him ashore on a surfboard at around 4pm.
The staff member provided first aid until paramedics and Guileen Coastguard arrived and the teenager was taken to hospital as a precuation.
In an update, Swell Surf School said the boy was recovering well and urged people to be aware of powerful rip currents in the area.
