New initiative by Waterford Marine Search & Rescue (24 Sep 2010) New initiative by Waterford Marine Search & Rescue and The Samaritans Waterford Marine Search & Rescue has launched a new initiative to provide new life saving equipment along the banks of the River Suir in and around Waterford City. In a unique collaboration, they have teamed up with Waterford Samaritans in a joint campaign to reduce the incidence of drowning and the accidental loss of life on the river. In the course of this year, a minimum of 6 new ring-buoys will be erected in all-weather housing units along the Quays and Rice Bridge. The program will be extended into other areas of the city and county in the coming months. Regular foot patrols will ensure that vandalised or stolen ring-bouys are quickly replaced. “A stolen ring-buoy = A stolen life”, reminding members of the public that a life could be lost if the equipment is missing or damaged. In an effort to dissuade people from trying to take their own lives at the river, the life bouy housing units will carry the SAMARITANS logo and its 24 hour telephone number. Commenting on the initiative, David Ennis, Publicity Officer of Waterford Samaritans stated “The ring-bouys provide a literal lifeline for people who fall or jump into the river while our 24 hour crises line provides an emotional lifeline to people who might see no option other than suicide in a moment of acute distress or despair.” Darryl Barry of the Waterford Marine Search & Rescue added, “This is only one step in a long walk to try and prevent the loss of life on the waterways in Waterford city and county. Members and crews of the unit have put together some new projects that will be rolled out over the coming weeks. We are also looking forward to working with Samaritans on this project and many more to come. Working together with Samaritans and other rescue organisations in Waterford city and county we can make a difference.”one step at a time”. The Waterford Marine Search & Rescue service was set up in January 2010 to provide Waterford city and county with a 24 hour; 365 days-a-year search and rescue service. Since January, 25 volunteer crew members have been trained in VHF radio, Level 2 power boating, cardiac first responder and Navagation. Further training will follow in the coming weeks. For further information, please e-mail waterfordmarinesearchandrescueatyahoo.ie Callers can contact Samaritans 24:7 on 1850 60 90 90 or by e-mail to joatsamaritans.org
