Two Athlone Sub-Aqua Club members were awarded the Seiko Just in Time awards from the Irish Water Safety. Robert West and Caolán Naughton were both awarded the Just in Time Award the Irish Water Safety Awards held in Dublin Castle (19th November). These awards were presented by Minister of State Fergus O’Dowd TD, Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources and Breda Collins Chairperson Irish Water Safety.

Caolán Naughton:

On Monday the 8th of July, Caolán (16) rescued a young member of the public from drowning in the River Shannon at Hodson Bay, Athlone.  Whilst out enjoying the good weather at Hodson Bay , Caolán observed a boy getting into difficulty after jumping off the pier. Caolán jumped into the harbour and helped the boy surface and continued to hold the boys head out of the water. While doing this, he controlled the situation and instructed bystanders to throw a life buoy and assist him in getting the boy to safety.

Robbie West:

On Thursday 26th of September Robert (41) rescued a member of the public from drowning in the River Shannon in Athlone. While working on a boat near the Athlone castle, Robert heard a large splash in the water. After noticing a women surface, he immediately jumped into the river, helped her to the slipway and provided first aid while awaiting the emergency services.

Both members were presented with Certificates of Commendation by the Directors of Athlone Sub-Aqua Club at our recent AGM. and appeared in the Westmeath Independent at the time.