A community river rescue group in Leitrim is to take possession of a state of the art rescue drone this afternoon.
The Carrick on Shannon Rapid River Responders group aim to improve the survival rate for people who enter the water so that emergency services can rescue them successfully.
The group was formed earlier in the year and provides instruction and equipment to volunteers, who aid those in distress from the shore.
The new river rescue robot is a remote piloted water drone that is sent to the casualty in the water from the shore.
The device can support up to 200 kilograms, and in emergencies, can tow two people back to shore or allow up to three people to stay afloat until rescue arrives.
The device has been provided to the local group through funding from the Carrick on Shannon Chamber of Commerce.
Sharon Garland from the Carrick on Shannon Rapid River Responders says the device will save lives:
