An appeal’s being made for everybody to take extra care when going in or even near water bodies.
Minister of State at the Department of Transport, James Lawless, has joined the Coast Guard, Water Safety Ireland and the RNLI in the call with close to a quarter of a million people drowning across the globe each year, according to the World Health Organisation.
The National Drowning Report issued by Water Safety Ireland this week notes that about ten of these happen in Ireland each month and you’re encouraged to choose lifeguarded spots to swim at.
In Carlow these are along the River Barrow at Clashganna Borris, Bagenalstown between 2-5:30pm and 6-8pm until the end of August while Kilkenny the river’s staffed in Graignamanagh with teams too on the Nore at The Weir and The Meadows in Kilkenny City, in Inistioge and at the Thomastown Weir Pool from 1-4pm and 4:30-7pm, also this and next month.
Today is World Drowning Prevention Day and the Minister for State with special responsibility for the Irish Coast Guard, James Lawless, says; “I am joining the Irish Coast Guard, Water Safety Ireland and the RNLI in appealing to people to play their individual part in preventing further tragedies on the water”.
“The August Bank Holiday weekend is on the horizon, and many of us will be drawn to our beaches and inland waterways. But we should all plan ahead before engaging in any water-based activity”.
“I want to thank our incredible volunteers from the Coast Guard, Water Safety Ireland, the RNLI and Community Inshore Rescue Boats for always being willing to serve their local communities in times of need. Their commitment to go above and beyond is truly admirable”.
Operations Kevin Whitney, Operations Manager with the Irish Coast Guard says; “World Drowning Prevention Day is another opportunity to highlight the importance of water safety and help decrease the number of incidents on the water”.
“Planning and preparing for each activity such as checking the weather forecast or tides for local beaches and having the right equipment such as a correctly fitting Personal Flotation Device (PFD) and means to call for assistance, such as a VHF radio, mobile phone, or Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), will contribute to a safer time on the water. Always let someone ashore know where you are going and when you intend to return.”
All recommend that you PAUSE when you’re near water;
- Plan your activity carefully and what you need to bring with you, including sun protection. Then tell someone where you’re going, who you will be with and when you are due back.
- Always bring a means of effectively communicating your distress, sufficient drinking water and the correct equipment for your activity. Know how to use that equipment in an emergency and always wear a lifejacket or personal flotation device.
- Use readily available sources of information to check the weather and tides before heading out for your activity.
- Seek help immediately if you or someone you see is possibly in difficulty by calling 999/112 or using VHF Radio – Channel 16 and asking for the Coast Guard.
- Enjoy Ireland’s wonderful outdoors safely and act responsibly.
If you see somebody in trouble on the water or along the coast or think that they are in trouble, use Marine VHF Ch 16 or dial 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.
