Volunteers gave up New Year's Eve plans to patrol waterways and bridges
Louise Walsh
A group of volunteers gave up their own party plans to patrol bridges and waterways over the festive period in an effort to ensure no-one lost their lives in local rivers.
Members of the Meath River Rescue spent New Year's Eve checking bridges and known access points to rivers in Navan and Trim all night to try and keep people safe around the Boyne and Blackwater Rivers.
They drove around in jeeps, with diving equipment if needed from 11pm to 5am and thankfully only came across one person who seemed a bit confused near a scenic river walk.
The volunteers also patrolled the waterways on St Stephen's Night, Christmas Eve and also on December 23rd when groups traditionally drink their way around the 12 Pubs of Christmas.
The patrols were something the volunteers asked to do to try and prevent any tragedy over the holidays, according to chairperson of the Meath River Rescue Christopher Rennicks.
"Over the years, Meath River Rescue has had to respond to call-outs and recoveries in tragedies in the Boyne and Blackwater around Christmas. One year in particular recently, we lost two people tragically over that period.
"It can be a tough time for some people while others might fall accidentally as a result of too much alcohol.
"We decided to do this to try and prevent any tragedy, instead of waiting to be called to a rescue or a recovery. It was a case of action instead of reaction.
"We also feel it's our way to help gardai who are already really busy with other incidents at this time.
"We drove around the towns and checked all the bridges and all known points where access can be gained to the rivers in Trim and Navan. Thankfully, we only had one incident where we came across one person who seemed confused.
"We were also called out to one report of a person in distress on St Stephen's Day but again thankfully, that ended well and they received the help they needed.
"Next year, we hope maybe to extend the service into other Meath towns as well."
Last year Meath River Rescue responded to 12 call outs and retrieved the body of one person from the rivers.