Laois people recognised for championing water safety

WATER Safety Ireland, in collaboration with Laois Co Council, hosted an awards ceremony to recognise the achievements of local people who had completed their water safety training and also those who had implemented said training in critical moments in their own lives, both on duty and otherwise.

Those recognised underwent the courses in the 2023/24 and 2024/2025 periods.

The ceremony, held on 11 December in Áras an Chontae, Portlaoise also paid tribute to the volunteer instructors and examiners who facilitated water safety courses on a voluntary basis.

The chairperson of Water Safety Ireland, Clare McGrath, praised the awardees and used her time to encourage the ceremony attendees to promote the water safety video featuring Liam Neeson. In the video, published in January 2019, Neeson urges viewers to always wear a lifejacket while on the water, learn how to swim and learn water safety skills.

Those recognised included Padraic Dolan and Sgt Paul O'Shea, a coach with Laois Marlins Swim Club and a Laois garda sergeant, who saved a man from drowning in the Barrow river, and a local journalist, Lynda Kiernan, who was awarded for her role in championing water safety through the local press.

Other recipients included off-duty paramedics, swimmers, surfers and general bystanders who just happened to be in the right place at the right time. In total, over 50 lives were saved thanks to the swift actions of those recognised at the ceremony.

"Water safety is not just a lesson in skills. It’s a lifesaving initiative that ensures our community can enjoy water activities with confidence. We are especially proud of our initiative to offer free water safety classes to all those involved in rescue services over the past two years,’’ chairperson of Laois Co Council Barry Walsh said