Young Kildare woman honoured after heroic rescue effort

A YOUNG Kildare woman has been recognised for her extraordinary bravery after performing CPR for almost 40 minutes in an attempt to save a drowning man’s life while on holiday in Portugal.

Hannah Wilson, from Doneaney just outside Kildare town, was on her Sixth Year holiday in Albufeira when she noticed a commotion at the end of the swimming pool at her hotel. She quickly found out that a man was drowning. Trained as a lifeguard, she immediately rushed over to see if she could help.

After quickly assessing the situation, Hannah realised the man required urgent CPR. She and others helped lift him from the pool before she began administering life-saving compressions, continuing for nearly 40 minutes until paramedics arrived.

Despite her best efforts, the man sadly did not recover and passed away shortly after. However, his family later expressed their deep gratitude to Hannah.

“The man’s family were extremely grateful that somebody with the necessary skill set stepped forward to help a member of their family,” said Hannah’s father, David Wilson.

Shortly afterwards, Hannah’s water safety instructor contacted her after hearing what happened to speak about the situation, which was quite traumatic for the young woman.

David said: “As you can imagine being on your 6th year holidays and having such an experience is traumatic but Hannah had some great friends with her to help her cope and recover after the event.” 

The interaction with her water safety instructor brought the news to Water Safety Ireland’s attention.

In recognition of her courage, skill, and selflessness, Water Safety Ireland has awarded Hannah the prestigious Des Kenny Award, which honours individuals who display exceptional bravery in the face of emergency situations. 

Hannah was given the award at the Water Safety Ireland National Awards Ceremony, which took place recently in O’Reilly Hall at UCD last month. Her parents said the whole experience was both shocking and humbling:

“We are so proud of Hannah for putting into practice the skills she learned every summer while completing her water safety exams in Courtown from the age of 12 to 18," said David.

“We truly are delighted we encouraged her to do her lifesaving course for all those years and can’t stress how important it is for young adults to have this life skill if possible.” Hannah, a former student of Newbridge College and Leinster Senior College in Newbridge, is now studying at University College Dublin (UCD).

Outside the classroom, she has excelled as a talented athlete. She has represented Leinster and Ireland in rugby at under-18 and under-20 levels, and this season earning her first senior Leinster women’s cap. She has also represented Ireland in athletics at underage level.

Water Safety Ireland praised Hannah online for her “outstanding dedication, courage and commitment to water safety.” 

It continued: “The Des Kenny Award honours those who act with selflessness and bravery in challenging situations, inspiring others through their commitment and effort.” “Congratulations to Hannah Wilson, your dedication, courage, and compassion make a real difference and are deeply appreciated by the Water Safety Ireland community.”