Donegal life-savers awarded for courage in the water

By Rebecca Crockett

THE brave efforts of six people from Donegal have been recognised at the Water Safety Ireland National Awards for saving three lives from drowning.

The ceremony, which took place on October 3rd at Dublin Castle, honoured those who had saved a life from drowning as well as individuals dedicated to drowning prevention.

Among the recipients were Garda Peter McGee, Garda Keith Conlon, Garda Deirdre Connolly and Garda Tara McGory, as well as heroic students, Rohan Debeny Bazeley and Yanto Carrothers.

The awards celebrated 32 recipients from around the country who saved 19 lives.

Garda Keith Conlon being awarded the Just In Time Award and Garda Tara McGrory being awarded the Rescue Appreciation award.

On Tuesday 30th November 2021, Garda McGee observed a female in distress in the water at Port Bridge, Letterkenny. Garda McGee entered the water and managed to grab onto the women before making their way over to the river bank and clinging on to a bridge to await help. The woman was taken to hospital where she made a full recovery.

On September 17th, Gardai Keith Conlon, Deirdre Connelly and Tara McGrory arrived at Lough Swilly in Buncrana where they were informed of a man in difficulty somewhere in the water. Gardai Conlon and Connolly waded into the water for 400 meters as Garda McGrory shone her torch in their direction. After locating the man on a nearby sandbar, they were able to bring him to safety.

Finally, students Rohan Debeny Bazeley and Yanto Carrothers heard yelling on the evening of May 18th 2024 at Portnablagh pier. When they observed a woman in distress, they assisted Gardai by entering the water on Kayaks and paddling towards her. Once Garda had grabbed hold of the woman, the students remained in the water with her until she was safely pulled onto the pier.

Yanto Carrothers (R) and Rohan Debeny Bazeley (L) being awarded the Rescue Appreciation Award by Anne Rabbitte T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth and Clare McGrath, Chairperson of Water safety Ireland.

Anne Rabbitte T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth acknowledged the recipient’s bravery, she said: “It is an honour to pay tribute to the courageous and deserving award recipients being recognised at Water Safety Ireland’s National Awards Ceremony.

“I want to commend the valiant efforts of these individuals who saved others from drowning and to also pay tribute to the ongoing work of Water Safety Ireland volunteers who teach swimming and water rescue skills.”

Water Safety Ireland CEO Joanne Walsh added that staying aware about the dangers of the water was paramount. She said: “We all know that safety is a small investment required for the delivery of a rich future and in order to make this happen we need everyone to be water safety aware and water safety conscious.

“Drownings can happen quickly and silently but with the right knowledge, skills and attitudes everyone can avoid the hazards and take responsibility for their own safety.”

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