KENNY COMMENDS IRISH COASTGUARD WRISTBAND CAMPAIGN

Posted on June 25, 2013 12:49 PM   |   Permanent Link   

Dublin Bay North Labour TD Seán Kenny has welcomed the new summer water safety campaign launched by The Irish Coast Guard.

"This campaign is aimed at increasing summer water safety and is designed to protect children on beaches and near coastlines. This is the latest stage in the Irish Coast Guard's summer safety campaign which began in May this year and is aimed at holidaymakers, those engaged in water sports, people enjoying cliff walks or engaging in coastal activities throughout Ireland. The Irish Coast Guard's first TV advertising campaign is also currently underway on RTE."

"This part of the campaign involved the Coast Guard distributing thousands of free waterproof wristbands under the 'Give us a Hand' campaign. Parents or guardians can write their phone numbers on the wristband so that lifeguards, emergency services or members of the public can contact the child's parents if the child becomes lost or becomes separated."

"The wristbands have been made available to Irish Coast Guard Volunteer Units for distribution through schools, lifeguard stations and maritime community events around the country and they carry a message reminding the public to call 112 and ask for the Coast Guard for beach, water or cliff emergencies. The wristbands are made of water resistant material which is strong and difficult to tear. The bands were designed and developed free of charge by Coast Guard volunteers and are a practical, simple way to assist families."

"Finding a lost child at a busy beach is a very stressful experience for both parent and child. Coastal or waterside areas present further dangers with open water, sand dunes and exposed cliffs all adding to concerns. Following a day at the beach, the band can easily be removed using scissors and disposed of by a parent or guardian."