Boyne River Rescue

Boyne Fishermen's Rescue & Recovery Service

The ‘Boyne Fishermen's Rescue and Recovery Service’ is a prominent water rescue organisation based in Drogheda, Louth, Ireland. Established over six decades ago, they have been unwavering in their commitment to providing a twenty-four-seven emergency rescue service, operating every day of the year.

While interviewing a representative of Boyne Rescue, we actually recorded the programme on location, as he was on active duty at the time and could have been called to rescue at any moment.

Mission Statement

From day one, they have lived up to their Mission Statement:

“If we receive a call to anywhere in the 32 counties of the Island of Ireland, where possible, we will always attend, and where possible, SHALL STAY until the missing person is returned to their family."

Voluntary

There are many exceptional features of ‘Boyne Rescue’, but one outstanding aspect in particular is that they operate on a completely voluntary basis. Each person contributes their time and expertise free of charge.

Challenge

However, they regularly engage in some of the most difficult and harrowing experiences - rescuing people or alternatively recovering a body - from some of the most challenging areas of water in Ireland.

Courage

Currently, there are approximately thirty volunteers - remarkable in their readiness and compassion – who are always just a pager-alert away. They certainly embody and exemplify courage, resilience, and unwavering community spirit.

Strength & Training

In contrast to some more conventional volunteer services, the crew are required to have specific skills and training. They often have backgrounds as paramedics or military personnel. The volunteers here possess an impressive array of expertise, such as Swift-water Rescue, Diving, Emergency First Aid, Powerboat Handling and Oxygen Therapy. The strength of this group is rooted not only in their qualifications, but in their relentless commitment. No matter the hour, day, or weather, these men and women stand continually prepared to face danger, uncertainty, and intense physical challenge head-on.

Community Events

Every year, members of the Rescue Service also provide safety cover to many water-related community events, such as the ‘Round the Head Swim’, ‘Dragon Boat Racing’, ‘Drogheda Raft Race’, ‘Duck Races’, ‘Boyne 10k’, and the (very delicious sounding) ‘Clogherhead Prawn Festival’. Further to their special rescue skills and training, members also have extensive experience in event management and planning.

“We can make the safety side safe.”

All crews who attend events are also fully trained in First aid (all levels), Swift-water Rescue, Radio Communications and Boat-handling. Their presence transforms potentially perilous events into joyous community occasions—secure, memorable, and deeply connected to local tradition. Their motto for this is: “We can make the safety side safe.”

Awareness

In addition to the above skills development and rescue service, the organisation endeavours to reduce the amount of potential tragic incidences, through an educational programme of awareness, taught to all ages.

Education

The volunteers take the time to visit schools and other educational locations and also host awareness seminars at their purpose-built base, which was built on land generously donated to them.

Prevention

Here they demonstrate how they co-ordinate their equipment, operational systems and techniques, as well as educate participants about the potential dangers of water engagement and important safety precautions.

Extraordinary Selflessness

It is clear to see, the ‘Boyne Fishermen's Rescue and Recovery Service’ does more than rescue. They are a shining exhibition of genuine courage and community spirit. They consistently demonstrate what is possible when people choose extraordinary selflessness.