Image: YoutubeThe petition is calling for improved safety features including better CCTV and safety ladders.
A petition to implement better safety features around the River Corrib in Galway City has gained a whopping 15,000 signatures in one day.
The petition, set up on Change.org, comes in the wake of several incidents of people falling into the fast moving river in recent weeks.
That includes a young man reportedly seen entering the water at O'Briens bridge by a taxi driver at 11:30pm on January 10th.
'Make the River Corrib Safer - Lets Save Some Lives' calls for the following:
- Safety ladders every 10 meters - so it is possible to get out.
- Rope/bar along the side - so it is possible to get out.
- Good quality CCTV all along the river and bridges - so people can be recognised and located if they do fall in.
- Sensors - so there will be an automatic alarm given to emergency and rescue (helicopter) stations if someone passes a certain point, with the location and CCTV footage.
- Safety ropes with floats.
- Safety nets such as this which have proven to help prevent deaths in other locations.
- Sensors at bridges, which were already developed by Galwegian students.
- Mental healthcare immediate support, so people do not get denied the urgent help they need.
- Heat sensitive cameras with thermal imaging technology.
- Flood light switch and siren.
The petition aimed at Galway City Council was begun by Sita O'Driscoll, who wrote:
''We lose numerous lives in the River Corrib - one of Europe's fastest flowing rivers. Some fall, slip in an often intoxicated state, others choose to get/jump in there themselves - but often it is a spur of the moment decision.
''There is no way out, no way back.
''Most cities around the world have safety ladders along rivers, so people can get out.
''The River Corrib has none, it is like falling into lava.
''People need to be able to get out if they fall and to be able to change their mind if they are trying to end their lives. Currently there is no hope of getting out.''
If you want to view the petition, you can do so HERE.
