The Water Safety Ireland National Awards Ceremony took place at the Printworks Event and Exhibition Centre, Dublin Castle on the 14th of November 2023.
This event acknowledged the brave efforts of the fifty-five recipients of the ‘Seiko Just in Time Award’ and Rescue Appreciation awards for saving twenty-nine lives at risk of drowning.
101 volunteers were presented with Long-Service Volunteer Awards, recognising a combined total of 2,040 years of personal voluntary service teaching swimming, water rescue and survival skills in communities nationwide.
Community and social responsibility awards were awarded in recognition of the support given to Water Safety Ireland’s community work, charitable
activities and commitment to drowning prevention initiatives and the reduction of aquatic related injuries.
The Des Kenny award was presented in national recognition to Water Safety Ireland members who perform Basic Life Support outside of their occupation or official voluntary activities.
The Leon Quinlan Perpetual Award is presented to a primary school that has been particularly attentive to the need for pupils to learn water safety skills.
The Avery Greene Memorial Award sponsored by Turtle Tots was presented to those who helped Water Safety Ireland further develop the resources for Hold Hands, to include additional games, activities, and resources to encourage this young age to talk about the importance of water safety.
Awards were also presented for Volunteer of the Year, Sportspersons of the Year and to media outlets in appreciation for their coverage of drowning prevention issues throughout the year.
Thank you to everyone who attended and participated on the day.
To read more about the recipients of these award please click here.
To view photos from the ceremony please click here.