Derrynane swimming

SAFETY COURSE

Irish Water Safety, the statutory and voluntary body established to promote public awareness of water safety in Ireland, held a week long water safety course at Béaltrá Pier, Derrynane from August 8 to August 13th. Béaltrá Pier is a magnificent location for the course and numbers are increasing annually since the first course held there in 2009.

This water safety course comprised of the key elements of water based safety, survival, rescue and basic life support and the instructors were Jennifer Murphy and Leanne Curran. The Basic Life Support (BLS) took place on the pier and on the beach and the students were also instructed on how to use a defibrillator. The water based course included instruction and practice in lifebuoy use, resuscitation, personal safety and rescue techniques.

Through water safety education and training Irish Water Safety strives to promote a stronger Water Safety ethos and culture in order that everyone will have the Water Safety attitude, skills and necessary behaviour to safely use and enjoy our aquatic environment. During the week, local and visiting students gained valuable new safety skills while enjoying the fine weather in an area of outstanding natural beauty and while having fun with friends and family. The students were delighted to achieve success in their tests and they all look forward to next year’s course when they can advance their achievements.

Condon, Upper Maiden St., Newcastle West 069 62344 (3 p.m. to 6 p.m. preferably). The cost is €50 which includes breakfast, evening dinner and coach travel but not museum admissions. Our initial visit to Waterford was on the May Bank Holiday when we walked the seaside portion of the Greenway near Dungarvan on what was a most enjoyable day; with many participants expressing the wish for a similar outing in late summer. Therefore, early booking is advisable ‘GREAT SOUTHERN TRAIL LTD.’ who are organising the tour. Beidh fáilte and all money must be received by Friday, August 19. Cheques should be made payable to romhat.