Foyle Search and Rescue named official charity partner for Europe Triathlon Cup - City of Derry

Foyle Search and Rescue (FSR) will play a vital operational role throughout race day on Saturday 5 September, providing comprehensive water safety cover for every swim event while also using the occasion to recruit new volunteers and raise awareness of its life-saving work.

Volunteer crews will provide safety boats, jet skis and spotters along the River Foyle throughout the day, ensuring the highest standards of safety for hundreds of competitors taking part in the Europe Triathlon Cup races, the Triathlon Ireland National Series and the City of Derry Aquabike.

At the same time, FSR volunteers will hold bucket collections around the event, while an information stand in the finish area will give spectators the opportunity to learn more about the charity’s work and how to become involved as a volunteer. Deputy Race Director Ian Cullen said partnering with Foyle Search and Rescue was a natural fit for the event.

“Few organisations command the level of respect Foyle Search and Rescue does across this city,” he explained, “Their knowledge and expertise on the River Foyle make them an invaluable partner in the safe delivery of the Europe Triathlon Cup and National Series races.

“But this partnership is about much more than operational support. The Europe Triathlon Cup - City of Derry will attract thousands of athletes, officials, volunteers and spectators, providing a fantastic platform to raise awareness of the charity’s work and encourage more people to consider volunteering.

“We would urge everyone attending the event to visit the Foyle Search and Rescue stand, learn more about their work and, in any way they can, support the charity through the bucket collections taking place throughout the day.”

Christina McKeegan, Charity Manager at Foyle Search and Rescue, welcomed the partnership.

“We’re delighted to have been chosen as the Official Charity Partner for this year’s Europe Triathlon Cup - City of Derry,” said the FSR Manager, “Our volunteers will be on and along the river throughout race day providing water safety cover, but this event also gives us a valuable opportunity to speak to thousands of people about what we do and the difference volunteering can make.

“Like many charities, we rely heavily on the commitment of volunteers and the generosity of the public. Whether someone makes a donation, stops for a conversation at our stand or decides to join our team, every interaction helps strengthen our ability to continue serving the community.”

Established in 1993 by local people in response to a series of tragic drownings in the River Foyle, Foyle Search and Rescue has grown into one of Northern Ireland’s leading volunteer emergency response organisations.

Today, its volunteers provide preventative river patrols, a 24-hour emergency response service, water safety education and support for families affected by suicide, working closely with the Police Service of Northern Ireland, Northern Ireland Ambulance Service, Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and a range of statutory and voluntary partners.

Since its formation, the charity has prevented more than 6,268 potential suicides, rescued 559 people directly from the River Foyle and helped reduce annual drownings from an average of 25 to around four, demonstrating the lasting impact of its work across the community.

The Europe Triathlon Cup — City of Derry takes place on Saturday 5 September, bringing together Senior Elite Female, Senior Elite Male, Junior Elite Female and Junior Elite Male races alongside the mass participation Triathlon Ireland National Series and the City of Derry Aquabike events.

For more information on the Europe Triathlon Cup — City of Derry or to enter the Triathlon National Series, Aquabike or kids event, visit codtriathlon.com