by Irish Police Officers 2007 World Water Safety Conference Swimming Rescues by Irish Police Officers John Connolly B.Ed., MA The Irish Lifesaving Foundation

Gardai make 20 + swimming rescues annually 2007 World Water Safety Conference Survey Details 82 water rescues between 2000 - 2006 134 gardai police officers 90 casualties Gardai make 20 + swimming rescues annually

Location of Rescues River 80.4% 2007 World Water Safety Conference Canal 3.6% Reservoir 1.2% Beach 4.8% Pier 9.7% River 80.4%

Belief = at least 2/3 and more likely 4/5 were deliberate 2007 World Water Safety Conference Entry Deliberate entry 49 ( 59.7% ) Civilian Rescuer 6 ( 6.6% ) Accidental entry 5 ( 5.5% ) Uncertain 30 ( 33.3% ) Belief = at least 2/3 and more likely 4/5 were deliberate

Entry Point Bridge 50% + 2007 World Water Safety Conference Unknown 8.5% Bridge 39.0% Pier 9.7% Riverside 31.7% Bridge 50% +

One officer acting alone = 41.5% Two or more officers = 58.5% 2007 World Water Safety Conference Number of Officers 2 4 4 11 34 27 One officer acting alone = 41.5% Two or more officers = 58.5%

Casualties 15 – 35 yrs : 35 male and 18 female 2007 World Water Safety Conference Casualties Male 58 (64.4% ) Female 32 ( 35.5% ) 53 Number of Casualties Age Ranges 27 58.8% 10 30% 11.1% 15 – 35 yrs. 36 – 60 yrs. Unknown 15 – 35 yrs : 35 male and 18 female 36 – 60 yrs : 16 male and 11 female

Day of Rescue Unknown 9 ( 10.9% ) 2007 World Water Safety Conference Day of Rescue Number of Rescues 16 18 9 7 9 9 5 Unknown 9 ( 10.9% )

Time of entry is known in 51 of the 82 rescues 2007 World Water Safety Conference Time of Rescue Time of entry is known in 51 of the 82 rescues 29 night entries : 22 day entries Estimate for all rescues = 47 night : 35 day

Night Rescues 29 night rescues 18 between 10 pm and 4 am 2007 World Water Safety Conference Night Rescues 29 night rescues 21 were week-end nights 18 between 10 pm and 4 am

immediately before they 2007 World Water Safety Conference Alcohol out of 90 casualties ( 38.8% ) known to have consumed alcohol immediately before they entered the water

Suicide Lethal Means Depression Alcohol Critical Incident 2007 World Water Safety Conference Suicide Depression Alcohol Critical Incident Lethal Means

Sudden Total Swim Failure Rapid Loss of Consciousness 2007 World Water Safety Conference Cold Injury X Hypothermia ? Cold Shock Sudden Total Swim Failure Rapid Loss of Consciousness

Rescue Aids 12 Ringbuoys 8 Ropes 2007 World Water Safety Conference Rescue Aids 12 Ringbuoys 8 Ropes

The casualty was removed from the water in all rescues 2007 World Water Safety Conference Actions of Gardai Decisiveness Flashlights Teamwork Communication The casualty was removed from the water in all rescues

Thank You John Connolly 2007 World Water Safety Conference Thank You John Connolly

2007 World Water Safety Conference