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06 Sept 2025
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06 Sept 2025
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Colin Fanning, John Fitzmaurice, Philip Lavery, Bernard Deegan receiving the Rescue Appreciation Award from Minister Thomas Byrne and Clare McGrath, Chair, Water Safety Ireland
Four men who saved two people’s lives in Waterford have been recognised at a national awards ceremony.
The man and woman who were saved from the sea at Guillamene, Tramore by the four men were among the 29 lives saved nationally from near-drowning rescues so far this year.
Waterford's Colin Fanning, John Fitzmaurice, Philip Lavery and Bernard Deegan were among the 55 rescuers nationwide who received recognition at Water Safety Ireland’s national annual awards ceremony at the Printworks Event and Exhibition Centre, Dublin Castle on Tuesday, November 14.
The citation for their award read: "In July this year at Guillamene, Tramore, Colin noticed some people in difficulty in the water and obtained a ring buoy; Bernard called the emergency services.
"The swells were very large, it was difficult to throw the ring buoy, so Colin entered the water with the ring buoy and swam towards the people in distress.
"Upon approaching the two people, Colin took the responsive person and brought her safely back to shore.
"Philip & John entered the water and took charge of the unresponsive man and John began CPR on the man in the water.
"Colin and Bernard then re-entered the water and they all helped John by keeping him afloat as he administered CPR.
"The RNLI boat came on the scene and took over,” the citation states.
Minister of State at the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media (Sport and Physical Education), Thomas Byrne presented fifty-five recipients of the ‘Seiko Just in Time Award’ and rescue appreciation awards at the event.
“It is an honour to pay tribute to the courageous and deserving award recipients being recognised at Water Safety Ireland’s National Awards Ceremony," Minister Byrne said.
"I want to commend the valiant efforts of these individuals who save others from drowning and to also pay tribute to the ongoing work of Water Safety Ireland volunteers who teach swimming and water rescue skills.”
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