Busy Easter weekend for river rescue services in Waterford City
Irish Coast Guard Rescue Helicopter. Picture: Joe Evans
It was a busy weekend for the rescue crews in Waterford City, with two reports of persons entering the river.
People took to social media to express their concern at the sight of the rescue helicopter flying low in the Ursuline Court area around midnight on Saturday.
It is understood from local reports that the Coast Guard deployed the helicopter on foot of a report of a person entering the river.
The second incident also happened on Saturday, later in the morning.
Waterford City River Rescue said in a post on social media that the Irish Coast Guard sent them out following a report of a person entering the water near the Rice Bridge.
The operation was coordinated by An Garda Síochána, Waterford Ambulance Station and the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre.
The person was successfully rescued by the Waterford Fire Service.
“We would like to reiterate the absolute importance of an early call to the Emergency Services for water incidents so the relevant services can be dispatched promptly.
"Please remember if you see anyone in difficulty on our Lakes, Rivers or Coast, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Irish Coast Guard, who will dispatch the services needed to the scene. Do not assume somebody has already made that call,” wrote Waterford City River Rescue.
They shared the following numbers for anyone in distress
- Pieta House 24 hour helpline at 1800 247 247
- Samaritans at 116 123.
- For free 24/7 support in a crisis, free-text HELLO to 50808
- Men's Aid 01 5543811
- Women's Aid 1800 341 900
- ALONE 0818 222 024
