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26 Oct 2025
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26 Oct 2025
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Igor Burkun is presented with a Seiko Just In Time Award by Joanne Walsh, CEO, Water Safety Ireland (left) and Sinead Boyle is presented with a Rescue Appreciation Award by Jerry Buttimer, TD, Minister of State at the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht (right)
On November 15, 2024, in Annagry, Igor Burkun was waiting in a car park for his son’s school bus when he noticed a toddler walking around a van at the edge of a garden. He then saw the child heading towards a fence near a body of water. After losing sight of the boy for a few moments, Igor went to investigate and discovered the child face down, floating in the water.
The water was murky and calm, with reeds growing along the edge. Without hesitation, Igor entered the water. Although he struggled initially, he managed to pull the boy out and bring him to safety.
The boy was unresponsive and blue in colour, prompting Igor to perform an infant resuscitation technique like the Heimlich manoeuvre—a procedure he had recently seen demonstrated on social media. The boy regained consciousness.
At this point, Igor was on the roadside when Sinéad Boyle stopped to assist. Thankfully, she was medically trained and took over care. Emergency services were contacted, and upon arrival, paramedics took over treatment. The boy subsequently made a full recovery.
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