IT COULD have been a metaphor for these troubled times.
A small group of civil defence volunteers raced against time to save the occupants of a car submerged in a rapidly rising river flood, a bit like a country facing economic woes which threaten to engulf it.
Happily for the civil defence members knee-deep in the Delvin river in Co Meath, the test was just one of a number at the organisation's National Competition Finals on Saturday.
The event marked the competitive highlight of the year for 6,000 volunteers who act as back-up to the frontline ambulance, fire, search and rescue services in emergency.
Teams of 12 from Cavan, Cork north, Donegal, Dublin, Laois, Tipperary north and Waterford city all competed in the national final at Gormanston Army Camp.
The day-long series of real-life challenges included giving first aid and comfort to trauma victims; dealing with a collapsed tunnel; and tests in communications, map reading and evacuations. The Cavan team won. Their victory was due to their "will to win, total dedication and commitment through hours of training", said team leader James Spears.
The other winners would be the local communities who, in times of real emergency, will benefit from the skills honed by the volunteers at the competition, said Civil Defence director general Bill Smith.
As the country faced a deepening recession, it could take some comfort from a rise in volunteering, he noted.
"We've seen a rise in the number of people who want to help their communities and are joining civil defence."