An infrared camera will be a permanent fixture at the mouth of the River Corrib to help save lives and recover bodies.
The camera, which works using heat sensor technology, is to be placed at Galway Museum to monitor bodies that pass by in the water between Spanish Arch and Claddagh. It will be linked to television monitors at Galway Garda Station and will be used to help in search and rescue operations for people who fall or jump into the city’s waterways.
Funding has been set aside in next year’s City Council budget to deliver the night vision equipment. It will be used to rescue people from the river, but also to locate people who have died as a result of entering the water.
It is planned to progress the purchase and installation of the cameras early in 2018.
“Time is crucial in emergencies, and this relatively inexpensive infrared camera equipment can save time during emergencies,” said Galway City Councillor Niall McNelis.
“When someone calls 999, and the authorities are alerted to an emergency, whereby someone has entered the water, the emergency services all act in unison including the Fire Brigade, Gardaí and Lifeboat.
“But this camera, which works off heat sensors, can help to pinpoint the exact time the body passes by, which is a crucial piece of information for rescuers.
“Depending on what time the body passes through, the authorities are able to pinpoint exactly where the body will be depending on the tide and currents.
“This is another tool that can help to save the lives of people who enter the waterways, and also it can bring some comfort to families and friends who have lost loved ones by speeding up the recovery of bodies from the water,” he said.
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