Press release
Minister Ring urges vigilance when in or around water as National Water Safety Awareness Week kicks off
From Department of Rural and Community Development
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Rural and Community Development
Published on
Last updated on
Mr Michael Ring TD, the Minister for Rural and Community Development, has today (Tuesday) urged people to be vigilant when swimming outdoors. Minister Ring, who has responsibility for water safety, made the call at the start of National Water Safety Awareness Week.
Minister Ring said:
“Almost two thirds of drownings occur in lakes and rivers. The unfortunate reality is that incidences of drowning increase greatly during warm weather.
“Water tragedies can be prevented by people taking basic precautions including staying within their depth; ensuring children are adequately supervised; and swimming where lifeguards are on duty or in safe swimming areas where ring-buoys are present. People should not enter the water after consuming alcohol which is a factor in one third of all drownings.”
Minister Ring has lent his support to Water Safety Ireland’s campaign to supply wristbands to all primary schools throughout the country, as part of National Water Safety Awareness Week. These wristbands carry the meaning of each flag flown at lifeguarded waterways, indicating when it is safe to swim and when it isn’t.
Minister Ring added:
“Water Safety Ireland has issued practical advice on how to enjoy our wonderful waterways safely. I urge people to visit:
www.watersafety.ie to inform themselves of the dangers of open water.
“Our waters are a wonderful resource but, on average, 127 people lose their lives on them every year. Every loss of life is a tragedy which can devastate loved ones, families and communities. The wristband initiative is a welcome and innovative example of educating children to enjoy water activities in a safe way.”
ENDS
Daniel Rowan
Special Adviser to Michael Ring TD, Minister for Rural and Community Development
087 6177320