Search Results for 'Irish Water Safety'

Organised water safety in Ireland really began in Milltown Malbay, Co Clare in the 1930s when a lady drowned there. This galvanised the local community into forming a Water Safety Association to help swimmers who got into trouble. The idea spread through Co Clare and eventually to the whole country. The national water safety section, set up by the government, was run by the Red Cross.

Despite the coronavirus lockdown confining people to within 2km of their home, children are still at greater risk of drowning during this period, according to Irish Water Safety.

As Ireland prepares for more sunny spells and hot weather, people are more likely to cool off with dips in the seas, rivers and lakes. However, there are some steps you should take to stay safe.

Galway’s hot weather can lull people into a sense of security around beaches, rivers, and lakes, and increase the risk of drowning, according to Roger Sweeney of Irish Water Safety.

Irish Water Safety has emphasised the need for some water safety education to be made compulsory in schools – and a pool isn’t needed.

While the safety of the crews in the Volvo Ocean Race has been paramount this week as the fleet heads to China in torrid conditions, security matters were also on the agenda in Galway as organisers prepare for the May stopover.

Lifesaving teams from Galway featured among the winners at the Irish Water Safety’s National Irish Pool Lifesaving Championships in Limerick.

While much of east Galway is suffering from the effects of last week’s flooding, the danger is by no means over yet as the heavy rains are set to continue and there are concerns over high tides and rising river levels.