SWS: Being safe in the water SWS CREW
In the first of a series of articles about water safety, Lisa Dunne outlines the vital work done locally by Sligo Water Safety (SWS)
IT IS expected that more people than ever will be hoping to enjoy the fabulous waterways in Ireland over the coming months. In Sligo, we are lucky to have access to beautiful beaches, lakes and rivers. Sligo Water Safety (SWS) would like everyone to enjoy these waters safely.
SWS is a voluntary committee who promote water safety throughout the county. Water Safety Ireland (WSI) is the statutory voluntary body established to promote water safety in Ireland and SWS promotes water safety within the county through several initiatives and events.
SWS organises several activities and events throughout the year. During the summer months, SWS teaches surf lifesaving skills to children and teenagers (ages eight to 18) at Rosses Point beach every weekend.
Surf lifesaving skills include swimming, use of boards and skis for water rescues and beach running events. Members of Sligo Surf Lifesaving Club can take part in regional and national surf lifesaving competitions which are held annually in August. SWS successfully hosted the regional and national competitions at Mullaghmore beach in August 2019. Pool lifesaving skills are taught during the winter months and, again, participants can take part in regional and national competitions which test speed and lifesaving skills.
SWS organises an annual water safety week at Enniscrone and Aughris beaches. These weeks consist of instruction in swimming and developing skills in rescue, survival and resuscitation.
Children learn invaluable skills during these weeks from very dedicated water safety instructors.
Thanks to the lifesaving skills gained by local teenagers through SWS, many have gone on to complete pool and beach lifeguarding awards which are internationally recognised by the International Life Saving Federation (ILSF). SWS have facilitated such courses which have aided in many of the beaches in Sligo having lifeguards during the summer months.
Water Safety Ireland provides many resources nationally in relation to water safety. One such resource is a free educational programme for primary schools called PAWS (Primary Aquatics Water Safety). SWS promotes this resource to primary schools in the county and SWS members also visit several primary schools annually to help promote the importance of water safety.
THE Sligo Water Safety committee for 2021 is as follows: Marcus Choo (chairperson); Sarah Jane Lewis (vice-chairperson); Veronica Hunter (honorary secretary); Joanne Sexton (honorary treasurer);
Phil Newell (sports development officer); Lisa Dunne (public relations officer).
The organisers of the water safety weeks are Joan Kearins, Gabrielle Tims and Jean Ruddy. SWS chairperson Marcus Choo says: “I look forward to developing SWS further and continuing to promote water safety and its enjoyment in Sligo.”
SWS are hopeful that if Covid-19 restrictions ease, surf lifesaving at Rosses Point beach and the water safety week in Aughris and Enniscrone will go ahead as planned.
SWS are keen for people to enjoy the many beautiful waterways in the county but stress the importance of respecting the water and adhering to public notices. To contact SWS, email sligo@watersafety.ie
theme, I expect Rovers to do well against Eastern Harps this evening (actually it is Finn Harps). They control matters – and win – with teenager Johnny Kenny’s opportunistic goal being the difference.
SUNDAY: APRIL 18
I HAD a mind to watch The Burren: Heart of Stone on RTÉ. But the constant trailers for it, with segments of Brendan Gleeson’s narration, made me stone mad against it. Gleeson is a very fine actor, a poor man’s Brian Cox.
Having not seen the programme, I imagine it is really called The Burren: Heart of Gleeson, where the narrator plays all the parts and also at some point becomes the Burren. As we walked in the mist of Gortarowey, I think I might have preferred to have stayed at home, lazy but dry. Still, we got back in time for United’s game against Burnley. Held scoreless in the first-half, I had enough of United’s dawdling and fled to the office (where I swore I wouldn’t check the score). Having given up a 1-0 lead, United eventually won 3-1. I was delighted that Donny van de
FITNESS CHALLENGE
The club’s 1,886 kilometres challenge is ongoing. Those involved can clock up kilometres by walking, running or cycling. The cost is €10 for an individual and €20 for a family to take part.
UNDERAGE TRAINING
The club’s underage teams (grades up to U-18 level) return to outdoor training from Monday next, April 26, in pods of 15. Those wishing to get involved in the coaching of any of our underage teams can contact any member of the club’s committee or coaching officer Emmet.
SUBMITTING NOTES
Any items for inclusion in these club notes can be forwarded by text, WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger to 087 1305671.