This article is from page 29 of the 2007-05-22 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 29 JPG
THE Killaloe Coastguard is hop- ing that volunteers will rescue them from their staffing shortage by at- tending an Open Evening on Tues- day, May 22 in the Kincora Lodge Hotel.
The coastguard needs arounds 15 new volunteers to assist with search and rescue operations and general administration.
New recruits would receive full training in whatever aspect of the
service that they sign up to including land search and water rescue.
Coastguard Area Officer, Michael Quigley, outlined what will be ex- pected of volunteers.
“The evening will give an induc- tion into what the organisation is all about. Potential volunteers would need to be available at least twice a month. The training can be intense because it can involve boat han- dling, first aid and evaluation of dif- ferent scenarios. We have to follow a lot of guidelines and people have to
be committed. The training process can take up to six months,” he said.
He added that the role of the or- ganisation was very important and a contribution would be “very reward- rhe
There is no age limit on volunteers although people should be aware that the job can be physically demanding and as there are currently no female volunteers, applications from wom- en are particularly welcome.
“It’s very challenging. You can get the call any time- 24 hours a day, 365
days of the year. We try to divide up people to be on call but it’s still hard. Sixteen hours out on search can take its toll. Everyone knows their own limitations and a lot of it is a young person’s game but we still need oth- er people to help out at base,” said Mr Quigley.
Mentioning recent searches that Killaloe Coastguard has assisted in, Mr Quigley said that the need is higher now than ever.
The information evening begins at 8pm and everyone is welcome.