Offaly woman honoured for water rescue
Three Offaly people were recently honoured for their service in promoting water safety at Water Safety Ireland's National Awards ceremony.
One of the three, Sarah Cooke, from Birr, was among 13 recipients of the SEIKO Just In Time Awards and Rescue Appreciation Awards.
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 experience 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.
Banagher pool is an outdoor pool located in the River Shannon, as part of Banagher Park.
Sarah explained: "With the current in the river it's very strong in Banagher. 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.
The other two Offaly recipients, Gerry Bruton and James Murray, received Long Service Awards for their voluntary commitment to promoting a public awareness of water safety and rescue based on the humanitarian goal of saving life.
Minister for Rural and Community Development Heather Humphreys praised the four women and 14 men for "doing something absolutely remarkable".
"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."
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 took place online on Tuesday, December 6.