Marine Watch answers the call for help from the West
WEXFORD Marinewatch has extended that hand of friendship across to the West of Ireland to another group aimed at stemming the flow of people dying by suicide in the cold waters of the River Corrib.
Sadly, in recent times, the River Corrib in Galway has seen a spike in people losing their lives having entered the water. Having become such a problem, concerned parties there decided it was time to take action and the model they chose to follow was that of the highly successful Marinewatch.
The Wexford group’s successes are well publicised. Since it’s foundation in December of 2012, the organisation can claim to have prevented somewhere in the region of 170 deaths in Wexford Harbour and are a constant presence patrolling the waterfront in all kinds of weather.
It was with this success in mind that founding member of Galway’s ‘Claddagh Watch’ Arthur Carr reached out to the South East for guidance in getting their operation up and running.
‘We had upgraded our equipment over the years, so we were delighted to be able to provide Arthur with some that we were no longer using,’ said founder member of Marinewatch Cllr George Lawlor. ‘We were able to present him with some vests, throw-bags, flash-lights and other bits and pieces. We were delighted to be able to extend the hand of friendship to Arthur and his team and it’s provided a great shot in the arm for them as they look to get their patrols up and running.’
‘Our Chairman Frank Flanagan has been working away with Claddagh Watch offering guidance on procedures and operations and the best means of training. Loss of life in the river in Galway has been an ongoing problem and it’s wonderful to see that Claddagh Watch will follow a path we’ve already worn.’