WMSAR volunteers had just started an additional suicide prevention patrol for the Bank Holiday weekend last night in very wet and windy conditions when they approached a female near the Rice Bridge area. The female told our volunteers that she intended to enter the water and take her life. Using their HSE and Samaritans training, crew members spoke to the female and prompted her to step away from the water’s edge.An Garda Síochána were alerted and arrived promptly, taking the person to safety. Volunteers were tasked by An Garda Siochana at 00:35 to be on the look out for a male believed to be experiencing suicidal feelings and who was at risk. Crews took a description and extra WMSAR volunteers and resources were drafted in to increase search effectiveness. The person was later located safe and well. Great work by Gardai and an excellent example of inter agency cooperation. Crews stood down at 03:30am after a hectic patrol. At 04:29, volunteers were tasked by Gardai to a report of a female on the wrong side of the quayside wall and very close to the water’s edge with the intention to end her life. 2 x WMSAR boats were immediately launched as well as a foot team who were on scene to support Gardai if required. Boat crews were also joined by WCRR at 05:30 and Waterford Ambulance Service was put on standby by Irish Coastguard MRCC. Thank you to all Emergency Services involved and to Irish Coast Guardfor coordinating an overseeing each incident. This just shows how much a 24/7 suicide crisis service is needed. Photo by Paddy Tubbritt.
