Three Offaly people to be honoured at awards ceremony by Water Safety Ireland

Three Offaly people will be honoured for their service in promoting water safety and rescue at the Water Safety Ireland National Awards ceremony this evening.

Sarah Cooke was teaching a water safety class at Banagher pool in Offaly last July when a young man at the other end of the pool got into difficulty so she grabbed a ringbuoy, instructed her class to vacate the pool and brought him to safety.

Speaking about the expereince Sarah said: “While running the class I was keeping an eye out and a young boy got into difficulty. He was there swimming with his brother and sister. The younger brother jumped in and panicked. With the current in the river it's very strong in Banagher.

Sarah explained: “I grabbed a ringbuoy that was behind me and got down on the deck. I was able to throw a ringbuoy to him, pull him in and grab him then.”

The Birr woman qualified as a lifeguard when she was 16 years old and as a swimming instructor two years later following training.

Sarah is one of 13 recipients of the SEIKO Just In Time Awards and Rescue Appreciation Awards.

Local men Gerry Bruton and James Murray are will also receive Long Service Awards at the ceremony for their voluntary commitment to promoting a public awareness of water safety and rescue based on the humanitarian goal of saving life.

Minister Heather Humphreys commented: "Tonight four women and 14 men are being recognised for doing something absolutely remarkable and that is saving a life. You have been recognised for your determination, for your strength, for looking out for others and for your extraordinary displays of courage. Due to your actions and your bravery, there are people alive today who might not otherwise be.

"I want to say to the people who coach and train people in swimming and lifesaving all over the country, you too are saving lives by enabling others to do so. Without the coaches, the trainers and the teachers, we would not have the large volume of lifesavers across our country that we can be so proud of."

CEO of Water Safety Ireland Joanne Walsh added: "Water Safety Ireland is a wonderful example of communities, volunteers and rescue heroes all working together, “ag obair le chéile” for one common goal, to keep lives safe in all aquatic environments.

"Tragically 80 lives were lost due to drowning in 2021, this was four more lives lost in comparison to the previous year. Water Safety Ireland holds a vital position as the key pillar in the promotion and education of water safety in Ireland and in spear heading measures required to prevent accidents in water."

Water Safety Ireland's National Awards Ceremony will take place online this evening at 7pm and will be presented by Miriam O Callaghan.

Water Safety Ireland is the statutory, voluntary body and registered charity established to promote water safety and reduce drownings in Ireland.