The Clare Champion Clare news, sport, entertainment and local notes
AN initiative that aims both to aid water rescues and help preserve the safety of those doing the rescuing was launched in Lahinch this week.
The provision of Rescue Throw Bags for each squad car in the Kilrush Division is one of a number of initiatives agreed by Water Safety Clare, An Garda Siochana and the Irish Coast Guard.
The Gardai are most often the first to arrive at the scene of a water based incident.
On arrival at a scene the Gardai are dependent on the availability of Public Rescue equipment and their own experience, initiative and knowledge.
Members of the force regularly place themselves at risk in these situations.
This is evident during Water Safety Ireland’s “Just in Time” annual awards ceremony where many of the recipients of Rescue Awards are Gardai who have gone beyond the call of duty to save others. Incidents occur throughout the year in all types of waterway, weather and water conditions.
The provision of throw bags will be a crucial aid in helping members of An Garda Siochana to carry out critical water based rescues without having to enter the water themselves.
Training in the use of the bags will be delivered locally by Water Safety Clare personnel to ensure competency in use.
The core aim of Water Safety Clare is the prevention of drownings and accidents within the aquatic environment.
This is achieved through education, promotions and the provision of support. To this end Water Safety Clare and An Garda Siochana, with input from members of the Irish Coast Guard, have agreed on a number of joint initiatives.
The Garda Siochana has a proud association with Water Safety Ireland.
It was with the help and guidance of a member of An Garda Siochana, Harry Gillespie, that Water Safety Clare was first formed in 1937.
The framework put in place at that time by a proactive Miltown Malbay based water safety committee has become the core structure of what is now Water Safety Ireland.
This co–operation between the Gardai and Water Safety Clare will be further developed in 2023 with a trained corps of volunteers being available to support the Gardai on a call out basis during water based incidents.
These plans are at an advanced stage. Water Safety Clare’s two Rescue and Lifesaving Training Centres will be central for the training of these volunteers.
