LABOUR TD KENNY RAISES ISSUES OF WATER SAFETY DURING THE HOT WEATHER

Posted on July 9, 2013 5:37 PM   |   Permanent Link   

Dublin Bay North Labour TD and member of the Oireachtas Transport Committee Seán Kenny has repeated the advice of the Irish Coast Guard given to members of the public to pay special attention to water safety this week.

"The warm, sunny weather with temperatures in the high 20s is forecast to last for the rest of the week and the weekend when traditionally many people take to the water and enjoy outdoor activities. "Warmer weather encourages everyone to enjoy the outdoors and brings thousands of people to our beaches, rivers and other water areas."

"It is important to remember to take simple, basic advice about staying safe on the water and along cliff paths, when hill walking and enjoying the outdoors. Time and again, people can take serious risks to their health and their life by ignoring basic safety advice, taking risks and then getting into difficulty. The Coast Guard is a 24/7 service but I would strongly urge caution as too many people are taking risks."

"Last month the Irish Coast Guard launched a summer water safety campaign designed to protect children on beaches and near coastlines. The Coast Guard made available 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 carry a message reminding the public to call 112 and ask for the Coast Guard for beach, water or cliff emergencies.

"The wristbands are available from all Coast Guard units and also by e-mailing: admin@irishcoastguard.ie and I would encourage parents to use them for the sake of their peace of mind."

"For specific advice and information on any water and coastal activity, visit www.safetyonthewater.ie. Throughout the summer (as at other times of the year), Coast Guard Units throughout Ireland will patrol our coastlines issuing safety advice and information to holidaymakers and tourists."