Tag Archives: Water Safety Clare

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 …

WATER Safety Clare (WSC) is working closely with the Irish Coast Guard, the Gardai and other groups to develop an early response support system along the Clare coastline. The initiative was announced by WSC chairman, Patrick O’Grady at the opening of the new €120,000 Lahinch Rescue and Training Centre, which will be used as a base by volunteers to provide support for community response groups. Clare LEADER provided a grant of €50,000, another charitable organisation provided €30,000 and the remainder was raised through fundraising. Procedures are being put in place that adhere to best practice for the safety and training of local volunteers from this new centre. Since the 1940s, WSC has worked to promote swimming and basic rescue techniques as life skills throughout the county. “Initial attempts to develop this Lahinch project were made in 1992. Unfortunately, the necessary support was not there to support these early efforts,” Mr O’Grady outlined. “Fortunately, this changed in recent years, at a …