New river rescue boat for Limerick Fire and Rescue Service to save lives

A NEW upgraded river rescue boat will make firefighters from Limerick Fire and Rescue Service more efficient in their efforts to save lives and prevent casualties in the water.

The 'Des Fitzgerald' boat was funded by Limerick City and County Council.

The name is a tribute to former fire fighter Des Fitzgerald, who served for nine years and who is remembered as a well respected fire fighter.

The boat replaced an older one and was designed to operate in the tidal and fast flowing river.

Speaking to the Limerick Leader, Senior Assistant Chief Fire Officer, Ken Crowley said that as well as having a bigger engine, this new boat has more space for casualties and administering medical attention on board.

Moored at the fire service's floating pontoon on Steamboat Quay, this boat is much bigger than the previous one.

It's operated by a crew of three and can carry a maximum of five additional passengers.

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Mr Crowley explained that on every crew on every shift, there are always three trained fire fighters who can carry out river rescue operations.

They would have training as swift water rescue technicians and would be equipped to deal with river rescues, fast waters and flood waters, as well as water on the shore.

The crews would avoid getting into the water unless necessary to reduce the risk to all involved.

The 'Des Fitzgerald' is also more efficient in shallow water, due to a different type of engine to the last boat.

“This gives us a greater element of flexibility, and makes it safer in shallow water,” Mr Crowley said.

He explained that fire fighters would have their fire fighting gear, along with their 'dry suits' hanging up and ready to go and when the klaxon goes off, the crew are ready and out the door within 90 seconds.

Some of their work involves talking people out of crisis situations, if someone is on the brink of entering the water.

“You don't know what they've been through and need to have empathy,” Mr Crowley said.