24 fewer lives were lost to Accidental drowning in 2002

24 fewer lives were lost to Accidental drowning in 2002

galway.net , 15 May 2003

24 fewer lives were lost to drowning than in 2001 according to Irish Water Safety. In welcoming this reduction, IWS have noticed an encouraging trend we wish to see continue however we call on all members of the public and media to keep water safety a priority, on this island Nation that boasts one of the most extensive inland waterway networks in the world.

Some possible reasons for this reduction in no order of priority include:

• A growing awareness amongst the public of the importance of water safety

• Awareness campaigns by all members of the Marine Safety Working Group which include the Health & Safety Authority, Bord Iascaigh Mhara, Waterways Ireland, Coast Guard, Irish Sailing Association, RNLI and Irish Water Safety

• Pro active prevention campaigns and work by organisations that are involved in aquatic activities that present a risk of drowning to their members

• Increased awareness and education campaigns in our schools

• A windy and wet summer that reduced the public's participation in aquatic activities

• A small number of highly publicised tragic drownings that raised the public's awareness to the risk that water presents

• Greater coverage on water safety by the media that has assisted greatly the awareness of water safety

• An Increase in the number of Risk Assessments completed in Local Authorities with corresponding follow up work completed with the provision of improved signage and lifesaving appliances

• A large number of rescues by various members of the public and An Garda Siochana and members of the Fire Service

• A professional and Improved Search and Rescue service coordinated by the Coast Guard of agencies that include the RNLI, Community Inshore Rescue Services, Naval Service, Aer Corps, Local Authorities, Civil Defence

• Increased use of protective clothing and Personal Flotation Devices

• Improved safety standards of all vessels as a result of voluntary Safety Checks and legislation

• Establishment of Marine Safety Directorate within the Department of Marine

• Increased training for all aquatic leisure users

Wise up to water safety

Water Safety Awareness Week commences Sunday 25th May through to 31st May. Irish Water Safety asks everybody to bring water safety in to their homes and ensure that all members of their families are made aware of the risks surrounding water.

• Young children should not be allowed near water unsupervised

• Ensure other members of the family can swim and have adequate water confidence to save themselves if they do fall in to the water

• All members of the family should wear a lifejacket whenever they are engaged in Aquatic Activities and pursuits.

• Ensure that all the family have suitable protective clothing, as the most common cause of drowning is incapacitation caused by the cold.

This will be an ideal time to arrange your swimming and water safety week camps for the summer ahead. IWS has an extensive summer programme of swim and water safety courses at rivers, lakes and beachfronts throughout Ireland.

No matter what aquatic activity or pursuit that you or your family are involved in we recommend that you get appropriate and relevant training.

For information on water safety and training for your family, check out the Association's website (see link below).

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