Irish firefighter makes brave rescue on holiday after person falls overboard from cruise ship

Rory Foy is rightly being hailed as a hero after he sprang to action recently while on holiday in Honduras.

The Dublin Fire Brigade took to social media this week to share Foy's big save.

"Firefighter/Paramedic Rory Foy who is on holiday in Honduras sprang into action after a person fell overboard when a cruise ship was docking in port," the Dublin Fire Brigade said on Thursday, October 3.

"Rory, who is a swift water rescue technician took a lifebuoy thrown by a bystander and swam to the person with it."

The Brigade added: "Here's hoping the rest of the holiday is quieter."

On social media, the Dublin Fire Brigade's posts have been flooded with comments commending Foy for springing to action.

Many quipped that the Irish firefighter and paramedic is "always on duty" and "never off the clock," while others called for Foy to be formally recognized for his heroic act with a medal or award.

Foy's brave act comes not long after two members of An Garda Síochána in Co Galway - Garda Randal Considine and Garda Shane Riddell - were awarded Commendations with Distinction for their rescue of a man from the water in Kinvara on September 19.

Meanwhile, Ireland's Water Safety Authority said in a national report published earlier this year that ten people drown in Ireland every month on average.

Joanne Walsh, CEO of Water Safety Ireland, told RTÉ News that people are being "more safety aware."

Walsh went on to remind the public to remember the acronym SAFE, "Stay Away From Edges."

She said: "If you're out walking during the summer, there's a lot of growth.

"You may not see the edge of that river. You may not see the edge of the lake.

"During wintertime as well though, the edges aren't as strong as they are during the summer, the soil could break away.

"So please be mindful if you're going out walking. Be mindful of the edges."