Group formed after river tragedies in Athlone steps up its work

A charity organisation established in Athlone in 2019 in response to a number of tragedies in the River Shannon is to open two storage facilities for use in emergencies.

The Athlone River Safety Awareness organisation was set up to help increase water safety awareness, supply lifesaver equipment and co-ordinate lifesaver training. Athlone River Safety Awareness is supported locally by An Garda Siochana, RNLI, Order of Malta and Athlone Sub Aqua.

The group is soon to launch two storage facilities which large numbers of trained people will have access to in the event of an emergencies. Trained personnel will have a code to open this storage unit and access to items to assist..

Gardai in Westmeath say Sgt Bobby Feery and Sgt Paul Kelly, Athlone Garda Station, have been involved in this initiative and great work has been undertaken locally in Athlone by both to promote this awareness and training.