BARRY HONOURED WITH AWARD AFTER SAVING SWIMMER AT THE COVE
A man who saved woman from the water in Greystones has been presented with an award for his bravery.
Barry Mahoney was one of 17 recipients of Water Safety Ireland awards, presented at UCD on the evening of Tuesday, November 26.
On October 27, 2018, Barry was walking with his family along the Cove.
The family stopped after noticing a woman going for a swim in very difficult conditions. A number of strong waves hit the swimmer and she became disorientated as a result.
Upon noticing her distress, Barry immediately responded to the unfolding emergency. He discarded his belongings and entered the sea with a lifebuoy. In spite of high waves and strong winds, Barry reached the woman and managed to bring her to safety.
Water Safety Ireland honoured Barry and 16 other remarkable rescuers who saved people all over Ireland from drowning.
Minister for Rural & Community Development Michael Ring presented the ‘Seiko Just in Time Rescue Award’ to the rescuers in appreciation for saving so many lives.
‘It is an honour to pay tribute to these deserving award recipients,’ said Minister Ring. ‘Without their bravery, quick thinking and selflessness, the outcomes could have been very different. On average 124 people drown annually in Ireland and while one drowning is one too many, the figure would have been higher but for these courageous rescuers.’
‘I would ask all adults to make themselves more aware of the dangers of drowning,’ said Martin O’ Sullivan, chairman of Water Safety Ireland. ‘ Tragedy can strike in seconds but with the right knowledge, skills and attitudes everyone can avoid the hazards and take responsibility for their own safety. Encourage your family, friends and colleagues to read Water Safety Ireland’s guidelines at watersafety.ie so that they can enjoy Ireland’s waterways safely.’