BFRRS MAKING THE LOCAL WATERS A SAFER PLACE

By Fiona MAGENNIS - Drogheda Independent - Wednesday February 24 2010

THE Boyne Fishermen Rescue and Recovery Service (BFRRS) received 43 calls for help during 2009, 18 of which were emergencies on the River Boyne.

Four people were rescued from the river during 2009, two by passers by and two by the BFRRS.

The group also rescued a women from the River Slaney in Wexford while taking part in the search for 20-year-old Michael 'Mikey' Berry in January.

On a sadder note, a 52-yearold woman and a 60-year-old man lost their lives in the Boyne near Navan in March 2009.

In addition to the callouts on the Boyne, the service travelled to Navan, Wexford, Cork, Limerick and Roscommon and in 2009 recovered the bodies of two missing people.

During the course of the year, the BFRRS also provided shore cover for the 40th annual Rás na hÉireann International Cross Country event at Oldbridge House in February, took part in an intensive first aid training programme, attended the launch of the Missing Persons Helpline, completed the Swiftwater Rescue Technician Course (SRT) and provided cover for the annual International Liffey Descent.

During the course of that event, the group provided rope rescues for over 200 upturned canoes.

In September, the BFRRS purchased a new emergency response vehicle which carries a full range of rescue equipment, including advanced first aid equipment (oxygen, defibrillator, spinal boards, etc) and rope rescue equipment for entry and extraction in inaccessible parts of the waterways of Drogheda and surrounding areas.

The organisation was presented with two new defibrillators in November by Mr Hugh McEvoy, Managing Director of Talk To Me Mobile Phones.

The BFRRS have now over 28 members trained in the use of a defibrillator.

A memorial service for the families of those missing and lost in the River Boyne and surrounding area took place at the Boyne Fishermen's boathouse on Saturday, December 19th.

A wreath in the shape of a lifebuoy was dropped by representatives of the families from a Civil Defence boat.

A spokesperson for the group said: 'The work of The Boyne Fishermen's Rescue and Recovery Service is only possible thanks to the wonderful generosity of individuals, fundraisers and organisations. We would like to offer thanks to you all for your continued commitment and support.'