New forum reviewing safety at beaches
THE inaugural meeting of the newly formed Sligo Water Safety Forum was held last Friday.
The forum was established to review the water safety offering within County Sligo by gathering all of the stakeholders together seeking suggestions as to how the issue of beach safety could be improved.
It was set up following a request from Cllr Sinéad Maguire as a result of the particularly difficult situation in Strandhill, where there are numerous water users although the beach is designated as a non-swimming beach and has no lifeguard cover.
Despite signs stating that bathing and swimming are prohibited, many people, particularly visitors who are unaware of the dangerous currents, still go into the water every year.
Cllr Maguire said that she had received “numerous reports of near misses which were avoided through the bravery and quick action of surfers and surf school instructors”. Attendees at the inaugural meeting included representatives from the RNLI, Sligo Area Water Safety Committee, surf lifesaving, Water Safety Ireland, Sligo Surf Club, swimmers, surf rescue, surf schools together with Sligo County Council water safety development officer and acting director of services.
A wide range of topics was covered, ranging from from an increase in call outs for the RNLI (from 20 to 50 in the previous year) to a desire for additional beach rescue training.
A review of signage and equipment on all beaches was requested in light of the increased numbers expected at beaches again this summer.
The newly released Summer Ready Programme lauched by the government, which will be distributed through the local authority, and the recent Failte Ireland funding to replace the life guard stations and toilets in Enniscrone and Rosses Point were also discussed.
It is hoped a follow up meeting will occur before the beginning of the bathing season at the beginning of June.