Water Safety Ireland national awards ceremony 2024
What a night we had during the national award ceremony witnessing many receipants recieving awards for volunteering, sport and rescues… Well done everyone
Amongst them were members from Cork
pictured below.
Aisling Barry, a standout athlete from Co. Cork, has solidified her place as one of Ireland’s top lifesaving competitors. Earning a spot on the Senior National Team, she travelled to Australia in August for the World Lifesaving Championships, where her leadership qualities shone brightly. For the second consecutive year. Aisling was named Female Captain of the team, a testament to the high regard in which she is held by the coaching staff.
Competing against world-class athletes. Aisling showcased her determination and skill, delivering exceptional performances. As a key member of the SERC (Simulated Emergency Response Competition) team, she helped secure a bronze medal, contributing significantly to Ireland’s overall success.
Her achievements extend beyond the international arena, as Aisling continues to excel in national competitions also with a number national records to her name, demonstrating the results of her unwavering dedication and rigorous training. Aisling’s accomplishments are a testament to her remarkable talent and commitment to lifesaving, making her a well- deserved recipient of the Sports Person of the Year award.
– Carlos Amaya (left), Aaron O Callaghan (right), Co. Cork
On the 18th of March 2024, at Garrettstown beach. Carlos had just reached his van after teaching a surf lesson when he heard shouting for help. He spotted a family in distress in the water. A woman was standing on rocks in the water, shouting at 3 members of her family, who were further out to sea and being pulled outwards by a rip current.
Carlos immediately grabbed his surfboard and ran towards the water. Another surfer Aaron, who was already in the water was also making his way towards those in distress. By the time they reached the three people, they were approximately 200 metres from shore. Carlos focused on rescuing the two children with the aid of his surfboard and managed to bring them safely to the shore. Aaron assisted the father of the children who had become exhausted and brought him safely to shore. All three made a full recovery. The swift and brave actions of both Carlos and Aaron undoubtedly prevented the loss of life and for this we thank them for their efforts.
– Michael Walsh (right ), Amy Walsh (left), Co. Cork
On a Thursday evening in February 2021, a woman got into difficulty while swimming at Dunworley beach. She was pushed by the turbulent tide into a blowhole where she became trapped and as the tide closed in she could not see anything as visibility was very poor. Michael and his mother Amy were out walking, when Amy noticed clothing and a phone near the waterline of the beach. They observed the beach from the slipway and they could not see anyone in the water. As a precaution, they decided to make their way
over to a rocky area to ensure that there was nobody in difficulty. Amy proceeded to yell into the blowhole, and they could hear a cry for help
Michael immediately obtained a ringbuoy that was located beside the blowhole. He climbed into the blowhole and threw the ringbuoy towards the woman. Thankfully, she managed to grab hold of the ringbuoy. Meanwhile. Amy went to her car and obtained a lifejacket. She passed this onto Michael who managed to successfully throw the lifejacket to the woman. Michael held onto the rope of the ringbuoy for over fifteen minutes until emergency services arrived. They took over and successfully brought the woman to safety. The woman made a full recovery Well done Amy and Michael.
Fantastic achievements and selfless acts carried out. Well done everyone and keep up the great efforts for helping others .