Rescuers from twelve dramatic near-death incidents will receive recognition at Irish Water Safety's National Awards Ceremony at Dublin Castle on Tuesday 17th November from 3.00pm to 5.30pm. Seventeen lives were saved through the brave actions of these rescuers.
Mr Michael Finneran TD, Minister of State at the Dept of Environment, Heritage and Local Government will present the "SEIKO Just In Time Rescue Award" to these rescuers in appreciation for saving a total of sixteen lives.
Commenting on the fact that 158 drownings occurred in Ireland last year, Minister Finneran applauded the rescuers and those who teach voluntarily for Irish Water Safety. "This figure would be even higher but for the dramatic efforts of the individuals being awarded the SEIKO Just In Time Award for saving others from drowning", he commented, "and the ongoing work of volunteers within Irish Water Safety teaching swimming and rescue which is of paramount importance if we are to see a reduction in drownings going forward."
Service Awards will also be presented, recognising 1,640 years of personal service of ninety-one Irish Water Safety volunteers from around the country for teaching swimming, lifesaving, and water survival and rescue skills. Other recipients include Irish open water record-breaking swimmer Lisa Cummins, who accomplished the "Swimming Everest" by
