Limerick Fire and Rescue

Limerick Fire and Rescue service is inviting school children across Limerick to name its new custom made power boat which is in use to help save lives on the River Shannon.

The 4.6m RIB has been in use for a number of months and has been especially developed for the fire service and specifically designed for the unique characteristics of the River Shannon.

Limerick Fire and Rescue service carry out a large number of river rescues and 48 members have qualified as Swift Water Rescue Technicians (SRTs) so they can respond within seconds to water rescues.

The new power boat is moored on the river for swift deployment and is of huge benefit to the work of the Fire and Rescue service.

The power boat will be used in conjunction with inflatable rescue sleds to enable rapid deployment on the river to rescue a person in distress.The SRTs wear dry suits, flotation devices and helmets which are all designed for water rescue use, and with the addition of our new power boat, Limerick Fire and Rescue Service is fully equipped for river rescues.

Children who wish to enter the competition should send their entries by email to fireservice@limerick.ie, or by post to \’Name Our Boat Competition\’, Fire and Rescue Service, Limerick City and County Council, Dooradoyle, Limerick.

Entries should include the name for the boat, along with the entrant\’s name, their class and primary school.

The closing date is Friday, 13^th March 2015.

The competition is open to all primary school children in the Limerick area and the winning child will be invited to the official launch of the boat which will take place next month. They will also receive a tour of their local fire station and be presented with a special gift by Limerick Fire and Rescue.