IF you would like to get involved in a really interesting and fulfilling organisation, the Irish Underwater search and Recovery Unit has it all.Divers, boat crew, shore controllers and fundraisers are all needed to help expand their ability to provide this vital volunteer service to the families of the missing.
Initially set up by a small group of divers assisting in underwater searches, the unit has now grown to be recognised around the country.
The unit currently has a mobile dive trailer which is used to transport all the equipment needed to set up a full underwater search for a missing person with shore control office, marine radios and underwater communications direct to the divers.
Since its inception, the team has been called upon to search for missing people in Dublin, Meath, Waterford and Cork.
The team also purchased a side scan sonar unit late last year. This latest piece of technology scans the riverbed and allows the crew to see an X-ray type image of the riverbed. Once trained in the use of the sonar equipment, this helps the team eliminate large areas of rivers, allowing the divers to search specific locations for the missing person.
It’s not only search and recovery that the unit’s volunteers do, as they recently assisted in the clean-up of the River Dodder. They provided safety cover along various parts of the river and even removed the back axle of a car from the river in Donnybrook during a very successful event.
In August the team will be taking part in a water safety education project to show young people the equipment they use, how they operate it and how to become part of the team.
More importantly they will also highlight the importance of water safety.
The team members are really looking forward to this event in particular, as it will give them the opportunity of showing the teenagers how much fun the water can be while staying safe.
One member of the team, Conor O’Byrne, is going to have the most interesting year of all, as he is taking part in the famous clipper round the world yacht race.
Conor, who is also a member of the gardai, very kindly proposed the IUSRU as his chosen charity for the clipper race and it will not only be an excellent adventure for him, but will significantly raise awareness of the IUSRU and the volunteer work they carry out.
So if you would like to take part in the raft race or are interested in becoming a member of the team, visit the website www.iusru.ie or find them on Facebook
The team also has a group of ladies taking part in the women’s Mini Marathon.
This proved to be a great day last year and they would be delighted to have more ladies run for them in the now world famous event.
Sponsorship cards can be obtained from our Facebook page or by email info@iusru.ie.
The team would also love to talk with members of the public who often show a keen interest when they are training along the River Liffey or canal areas.
So don’t be shy if you see the team while you’re out and about – just come up to the trailer, say hello and they will be delighted to show you the equipment and answer any questions you may have.