The device is the first of its kind in Ireland.
A new water robot - the first of its kind in Ireland - has been launched in the midlands.
The equipment will form part of the Athlone River Safety Awareness group's wider emergency response on the Shannon.
It's a remote-controlled, quick-deploy device that can be thrown into the water and driven to the person in distress.
The group's chair Aengus O'Rourke is appealing for up to 40 volunteers to create a viable rapid response team:
You can find out more and apply to be a volunteer at athloneriversafety.com.
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