Off-duty Waterford Garda springs into action as he spots woman in distress in river

A Waterford Garda who saved a woman’s life has been recognised at a national awards ceremony.

The woman who was saved from the River Suir by off-duty garda Cathal McGeoghan was among the 29 lives saved nationally from near-drowning rescues so far this year.

55 rescuers nationwide 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 Garda McGeoghan's award read: "In June of this year Sergeant McGeoghan was returning home off duty, when he noticed a female in distress in the water at Grattan Quay.

"He immediately called for assistance, retrieved a ring buoy, and threw it to the woman while giving her instructions to grab onto it.

"He was able to able use the rope to drag the woman to safety. He reassured her and stayed with her until the Waterford Fire Brigade boat arrived and took over.

"The woman was taken to hospital, where she made a full recovery,” 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.”