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18 Jan 2026
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18 Jan 2026
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Mayor of Limerick, Cllr Francis Foley, launched the new Hover Arks | PICTURES: Adrian Butler
LIMERICK Suicide Watch (LSW) has rolled out new life-saving equipment which will be used by its volunteers who patrol the river Shannon.
The group, which was formed in 2016, has unveiled three remote-controlled lifebuoys which are known as Hover Arks.
These are unmanned life-saving devices incorporating drone technology with water rescue applications.
"To carry out rescues on water the operator throws it from the shore and uses the remote control to navigate it to the victim. Due to its fast speed and directional accuracy, the device reaches the victim quickly, who would then grasp the unit, and wait for the operator to navigate them back to safety," explained Mark O’Shaughnessy, vice chairperson of LSW.
Over the past number of months, since the purchase of the new equipment, members of Limerick Suicide Watch have carried out training on the use of the Hover Arks and have been preparing for the installation of two of these units in cabinets on the riverside.
The third unit will be carried in the group's support vehicle for fast deployment when needed.
Following the launch by Mayor Francis Foley, the riverside equipment is being made available to the other services in Limerick with whom Limerick Suicide Watch including An Garda Siochana, Limerick Fire & Rescue, the Irish Coast Guard, Limerick Marine Search & Rescue and The National Ambulance Service.
The group has moved to thank everyone who helped it to acquire and roll out the new Hover Ark devices.
"It is donations from the public and organisations that give Limerick Suicide Watch the ability to purchase equipment like this and to continue to fund the running of the group. The Hover Ark is one example of the many new pieces of equipment
introduced through donations," said Mr O'Shaughnessy.
A number of local companies helped with the construction and installation of the cabinets in which the life-saving equipment will be stored.
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