Staying safe in the sea
Madam Editor,
Local fisherman and normal users of Aughris pier are aware of the importance of Aughris Water Safety week which occurs every year and are more than supportive. Alarmingly some person or persons felt the need to complain to the fisheries authority and to the council about a net that was in place to protect children as young as four from being stung by jelly fish.
This year the seawater off Aughris was infested with jelly fish on the first day which all had to be removed before the children could enter the water. In order to prevent further arrivals of jelly fish the net was lent to the facility and was strung between the pier wall and the slip way. It worked, stopping anymore jelly fish entering the area where the children were swimming and allowed them to learn without fear of being stung. I understand that complaints are made and that authorities are obliged to follow up on complaints received, however on this occasion I felt common sense should have applied and those in position of authority should have exercised a level of cop-on. The net had to be taken down half way through the week and as a result the children were once again exposed to the threat of being stung.
What kind of society do we live in when people feel the need to (a) make a complaint about such a trivial matter in some ways and (b) that authorities cannot exercise some level of discretion?
There are many things in the world to complain about and complaints that need to be followed up, this was not one of them.
Every summer we hear about the need for people to take extra care around water, especially when we experience a good spell of weather. Parents are asked to ensure children are properly supervised and to take all precautions necessary. Educating children at a young age about water safety and providing them with the skills to both survive and to come to the aid of others should they encounter an emergency situation is a skill for life and something that should be encouraged. Every year the Irish Water Safety authority facilitate water safety courses nationally. Aughris Water Safety week towards the end of July is one such course and has been held every year for many years now. It was a week that was at one point in recent times in danger of ceasing except for the intervention of some local people who had seen their own children benefit from the courses. They stepped in and have brilliantly organised the continuation of this course for hundreds more children to learn and benefit.
Aughris Water Safety week 2017 attracted over 130 children who are now more aware and capable around water because of what they have learned.
I for one, as a parent of three children who benefited from this fantastic week where skills are learned and new friends are made am already looking forward to Aughris Water Safety Week 2018!
Name and address with editor.