Tag Archives: Sinead Mortell

A SURFER who rescued a swimmer caught off the Clare shore by a rip current and an Ennis lifeguard named Volunteer of the Year were among those honoured at Water Safety Ireland’s national awards. Patrick Gordon’s quick actions saved the life of a man in difficulty at Spanish Point last summer. He received a SEIKO Just In Time Awards and Rescue Appreciation Award at the annual ceremony which was held online. Last July, Patrick was out surfing in strong winds with a friend at Spanish Point. They heard a swimmer shouting for help after getting pulled from shore by a rip current. He immediately paddled towards the swimmer and told his friend to make for shore to get help. Patrick took his friend’s board, reached the exhausted swimmer, and got him to hold onto the board until he regained his breath and was able to make it safely back to shore. Also honoured on the night was Sinead Mortell from …

THE University of Limerick hosted the National Stillwater Championships last weekend when there was outstanding success for Clare competitors. Norma Cahill was, once again, to the fore, achieving two world masters records in the 100m manikin tow and 100 manikin carry, as well as one European masters record in the 50m manikin carry. In addition, defending champions Clare retained the pool rescue national title. A field of 250 competitors took part over nine hours of swimming pool rescues. Many of the competitors, having worked as lifeguards in pools nationwide, got their chance to pitch their skills against the finest lifesavers in the country. “This annual competition gives the best lifesavers in Ireland an opportunity to compete in conditions that lifeguards can encounter in real-life rescue situations. The sport of lifesaving teaches participants the skills necessary to rescue people from drowning,” said Irish Water Safety chairperson, Breda Collins. The disciplines are varied and challenging, with competitors swimming for immersed ‘casualties’ (manikins) …