Three Donegal Gardai are to be recognised at today’s Water Safety Ireland’s National Annual Awards Ceremony along with four others who successfully rescued people from the water in Donegal.
The awards ceremony recognises courageous rescue interventions to assist persons in immediate danger in the water.
A total of 55 rescuers are to be honoured for helping save the lives of 29 people.
In March, Gardai Emmet Cassidy, Noel Gavighan and Sergeant Mark Colgan were alerted to a person in difficulty in the water in Glenties.
Gardaí Cassidy and Gavighan tied crime scene tape onto Sergeant Colgan who entered the water and waded across to a man on the riverbank on the opposite side.
Sergeant Colgan placed the man on his shoulder and brought him to safety.
In June, Donncha Maguire and Darragh Flanagan heard a cry for help at Bundoran beach, they entered the water and found a person unresponsive.
Using the cross-chest technique they successfully brought them to safety, where an off duty nurse and fireman performed CPR.
In May, Rebecca Ebbs and Zara Reid were alerted to two females in distress at the Shorefront, Buncrana.
The pair entered the water, which was very choppy and managed to turn the females onto their backs, placing their arms under the swimmers’ arms and bringing them to safety.
Donegal woman, Tracey McBride will receive a Long Service Award for her 20 year service to voluntarily promoting water safety awareness.
