Carrick-on-Suir River Rescue team appeals for new members, donations and sponsorship
Team's longest serving member is anxious that a new generation of volunteers carry on their work
Carrick-on-Suir River Rescue’s volunteers have appealed for new members, donations and sponsorship to assist them with their important search and rescue work on the River Suir and other waterways.
The voluntary rescue team is looking for new blood as some of their members near retirement.
Michael (Mixer) Power, the team’s longest serving member, is anxious that a new generation carry on the river rescue tradition of the Carrick boatmen.
“I am getting old and ready to retire and I would be worried that no one else is going to come in and keep it going. We would welcome new members.”
Carrick River Rescue Committee Chairman Paddy Power echoed his call. He said they need younger people to join up so they can pass on their knowledge of the river and search and rescue work to them.
Carrick River Rescue’s charity shop on Main Street is the group’s main source of income.
The team doesn’t receive any State grants or funding.
River Rescue treasurer John Glascott said they are very grateful to the people of Carrick for the financial support they have given the team over the years.
He encouraged the people of Carrick-on-Suir and its hinterland to continue supporting the River Rescue charity shop and alternatively host fundraisers or donate money to the group.
Mr Glascott points out there are high fuel and maintenance costs associated with the team’s two inflatable rib boats, five smaller aluminium boats, two vans and two jeeps that must be kept in top condition for when the team is called out to search and rescue missions.
The team also has to pay the lighting, heating, insurance and maintenance costs for the River Rescue centre where they store and maintain their boats, vehicles, search and rescue clothing and equipment.
They recently had to invest €60,000 in a health and safety upgrade of the centre that included the installation of fire safe doors and disability toilets.
The team has collected enough funds to replace their oldest van. One of their jeeps is also in need of replacement. Paddy Power points out it is 16-years-old and repair and maintenance costs are rising due to its ago.
He said the team would love to secure sponsorship to replace this vehicle with a newer model.
Any person or organisation wishing to make a donation or offer sponsorship to Carrick River Rescue should contact Carrick River Rescue at (083) 0365724.