Bray Emmets join the RNLI in ‘Respect the Water’ campaign
Bray Emmets are teaming up with Dun Laoghaire lifeboat station to work on the RNLI’s ‘Respect the Water’ campaign, which aims to reduce the number of drownings.
The GAA club and the lifeboat charity will work together to provide life-saving advice and information throughout the summer.
Each year, 133 people drown in Ireland and the ‘Respect the Water’ campaign wants to significantly reduce this figure.
As well as sharing key safety messages with fans and supporters at events and matches, the RNLI is keen to visit clubs and community groups to talk about drowning prevention and how to keep safe and enjoy the water. The ‘Respect the Water’ roadshow and the charity’s crew and safety volunteers will deliver talks and demonstrations to all ages.
The message of ‘Respect the Water’ is for people to fight their instincts and remember one core survival skill – floating, until the effects of cold water shock pass and you can catch your breath, before trying to swim to safety or call for help.
Frances Stephenson of Bray Emmets ‘Healthy Club Project’ said that the club has over 900 members. ‘We feel this is a great opportunity to work with the Dun Laoghaire RNLI to help save lives. It was a privilege to be chosen to be part of the GAA RNLI partnership along the east coast. As one of the GAA Healthy Clubs we value links with other community organisations such as the RNLI and look forward to working together to spreading the word,’ she said.