Student hailed for quick thinking in river rescue attempt
It was a normal Monday morning, May 23, when Robyn Kelly, a 5th year student at Colaiste Chiarain in Athlone, was on a bus going to school.
Sitting at a window seat, Robyn was looking out across the morning landscape. As the bus was travelling across the bypass bridge over the River Shannon, she spotted a man falling from the side of the bridge into the river. It was just after 8.30am and what she saw could only have been a flash in front of her eyes as the bus travelled along.
Understanding the seriousness of the situation she immediately contacted her mother Carmel and told her what had happened and insisted she dial emergency services straight away.
Cllr Aengus O'Rourke of Athlone River Safety Awareness, explained "Robyn was on the bus with children of all ages, some as young as 12. She didn't want to frighten any of the children, or cause panic - so she explained this to her mother and asked her to deal with the emergency services. Robyn was remarkably calm and logical in her thinking that morning, not only did she recognise the urgency of the situation, but she also didn't want to frighten
the young children around her on the bus, including her younger brother".
"And, if that wasn't remarkable enough, Robyn also managed to get a description of the man and these details were passed on to the emergency services.”
Within minutes, Athlone River Safety Awareness volunteers were fon the scene under the bypass bridge with their rescue robot and other rescue equipment. Minutes later Athlone Sub Aqua and Lough Ree RNLI were there.
For a couple of hours thorough river and bank searches were carried out. The volunteers were also joined in the search by the Coastguard Helicopter.
Cllr O'Rourke said that a short time later that morning an individual phoned the emergency services to say he had been in the water but made it out and returned home safely.
The person apologised for the inconvenience caused to all involved in the search".
Praising the student's reaction, Cllr O'Rourke said: "Robyn was incredibly calm and did all the right things, in fact there was nothing else she could have done, she was amazing.”
Cllr O'Rourke said that Athlone River Safety Awareness Group tracked Robyn down later that Monday morning because as a group it is always keen to acknowledge those who step outside their comfort zone to help someone in trouble.
“Robyn certainly did that last Monday. She was brave, observant and demonstrated great maturity - she knew exactly what to do.”
He added that the group was delighted that Principal of Colaiste Chiarain Brendan Waldron allowed members some time with students this week to talk about the risks and dangers associated with the water.
“We always encourage children, families to learn to swim, to enjoy the water but to always respect it. When the weather is good we are naturally drawn to the water, however we must always be on our guard and be aware of our own safety and those around us.
“People should also note that if they witness a water based emergency they should dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard. The Coastguard immediately coordinates the RNLI and Athlone River Safety Awareness.
"On behalf of Athlone River Safety Awareness, I presented Robyn with a certificate of recognition for her quick action and for her outstanding community leadership. Her family joined us for the presentation, they are so very proud of her and with every justification.”