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	<b>MAYOR Kathleen Leddin has praised the efforts of the Corbett Suicide Prevention Patrol after their quick thinking prevented a tragedy on the river.</b></p>
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	Members of the group - which patrols the banks of the Shannon three times a week - were on duty in O&rsquo;Callaghan Strand when they made the dramatic rescue.</p>
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	Paul Hogan, chairman of Corbett Suicide Prevention Patrol (CSPP) said four volunteers initially heard screaming from the river as they were talking to someone else who was considering taking their own life.</p>
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	Two of the group ran up to the bank, and saw the youngster in the river screaming, with his worried father looking on.</p>
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	He had tripped on rocks near a slipway and fallen into the river.</p>
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	But thanks to their calm, but fast action, the child - aged just eight - was rescued from the river.</p>
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	&ldquo;They threw a throwbag in, but because the child was so young, he didn&rsquo;t know what it was. So one of the volunteers waded in and plucked the child out before the current could take him away,&rdquo; Paul said. &ldquo;It was all over within two or three minutes.&rdquo;</p>
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	Although the youngster was shaken following the incident, he did not suffer any injuries.</p>
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	Their actions have been praised by Mayor Leddin.</p>
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	She said: &ldquo;It is wonderful that there was a life saved, and I do commend them. This is incident has proven they have been a huge help to people. I certainly praise their efforts. People who are giving their time voluntarily like this have to be commended.&rdquo;</p>
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	He added this incident highlights the need for parents to be vigilant when out with their children in the warm weather.</p>
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	He told Limerick&rsquo;s Live95FM radio: &ldquo;The quick action by our team got the child out safely, and thankfully all was well. But I just want to issue a warning to parents when they are down around the river - the tide is very fast flowing, so keep that extra eye out.&rdquo;</p>
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	He added: &ldquo;I know with the sunny weather, everyone is drawn to the river. But I would ask people to be aware and keep an eye on the kids.&rdquo;</p>
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	CSPP normally patrol the banks of the Shannon to prevent suicidal people taking their own lives.</p>
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	But this incident has highlighted their overall importance.</p>
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		by Nick Rabbitts</li>
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		<a href="http://www.limerickleader.ie/news/leader-local/group-s-quick-thinking-prevents-tragedy-on-banks-of-river-shannon-1-5288816">http://www.limerickleader.ie/news/leader-local/group-s-quick-thinking-prevents-tragedy-on-banks-of-river-shannon-1-5288816</a></li>
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