ILAM — the Irish leisure industry employers body which represents gyms, leisure centres, sports, fitness, aquatic and outdoor facilities, has announced that 85 leisure facilities from across Ireland have been awarded White Flags for the year 2011/2012. Those awarded in Mayo were: the leisure club at Breaffy House Resort (formerly Kingfisher Club Breaffy ); Ocean Spirit Spa and Leisure Centre, Hotel Westport; The C Club, Castlecourt Hotel; and Westport Leisure Park.
The White Flag is the only comprehensive quality award and measurement of standards for gyms, swimming pools and leisure amenities in Ireland. The highly sought after White Flag Award, which is now in its 11th year, is an essential quality mark that every swimming pool, sports hall, fitness studio and gym facility in Ireland must strive to achieve and its presence is critical, in the absence of any government legislation.
Barry Walsh, president, ILAM, said: “A White Flag is a visible sign that a swimming pool, gym or leisure facility is operating to high standard and is a safe place for adults and children to exercise. Consumers need to check that their gym or leisure centre has the White Flag when joining or attending a leisure facility.”
The White Flag Awards are judged by an independent jury made up of experts from a number of nationally recognised organisations including Fáilte Ireland, the HSE, the Irish Hotels Federation, Consumer Association, Swim Ireland and Irish Water Safety. Judging is thorough and rigorous ensuring that fitness, gym instructors, and lifeguards are fully qualified, facilities are safe, clean and hygienic; and that equipment is maintained correctly.
