A voluntary-based charity which provides a search, rescue and recovery services to the people of Waterford City will be carrying out extra patrols over this Christmas period.
Waterford Marine Search and Rescue will be patrolling the quays in Waterford as they have done so for 13 years, from this weekend right up until the New Year and into 2024, as well as having teams on call in the event of any emergencies on the water.
To date in 2023 they have responded to over 26 incidents and Darryl Barry, Chairman of Waterford Marine Search and Rescue, hopes by this time next year that number will have dropped. “This Christmas, we’ll be launching extra patrols along the quays, as well as having teams on call in the event of any emergencies, to try and keep the people of Waterford and surrounding areas as safe as possible this festive season. We hope we won't be needed, but we know it’s a tough time for some”, he said.
The organisation was recently honoured for their work by the National Lottery Good Causes Awards, winning a generous €10,000 to support their mission.
A cheque was presented during a photocall attended by Minister of State for Mental Health Mary Butler, Sarah Ruane, PR Corporate Communications Specialist with the National Lottery and Darryl Barry, Chairman of Waterford Marine Search and Rescue.
Waterford Marine Search and Rescue hope to invest the prize money into upgrading two of their search and rescue patrol boats, which enables them to provide a much-needed service to the people of Waterford to prevent the loss of life.
Darryl Barry, Chairman of Waterford Marine Search and Rescue, expressed his gratitude, saying, “We were honestly humbled and honoured to receive the €10,000 prize from the National Lottery. I’m also delighted that our volunteers, who work so hard all year round, were able to receive the recognition they so truly deserve. We’re going to re-invest the money into upgrading two of our patrol boats which are an integral part of the work we do."
Minister Mary Butler also commented on the occasion, stating, "I am immensely proud to acknowledge the outstanding efforts of Waterford Marine Search and Rescue. These volunteers give unwavering dedication to the community in the spirit of selfless service. Their daily commitment to safety and rescue operations is a testament to the strength that emerges when a community comes together. I recently visited Waterford Marine Search and Rescue and met members of the team. I thanked them for their remarkable work in making our community safer for everyone”.
