Water Safety Ireland Sligo reflects on another progressive year of activities
WATER Safety Ireland Sligo, a voluntary committee that promotes water safety throughout the county, can reflect on a hectic past 12 months.
The committee is part of Water Safety Ireland, the statutory voluntary body established to promote water safety in Ireland.
To promote water safety locally, Water Safety Ireland Sligo organised a number of events and promotions.
The sporting side of Water Safety Ireland Sligo is the Sligo Surf Lifesaving Club – this teaches water safety skills in a competitive yet fun environment.
There are age group categories for nippers (ages 8-14), juniors (ages 14-18) and seniors (18+). The masters section is for those over 30. During the winter months lifesaving skills are taught in the pool and these skills, including reaction speed, are tested in regional and national competitions. The stillwater events differ from those held in open water.
Open water lifesaving skills sessions took place at beaches in Rosses Point and Enniscrone.
Water Safety Ireland Sligo was also involved with the primary schools programme called PAWS (Primary Aquatics Water Safety).
Water safety talks were given to pupils of Ransboro National School and Water Safety Ireland Sligo took part in an information day at the newly-opened National Surf Centre in Strandhill, which was officially opened in June. Water safety information was also shared with
Sligo’s Ukrainian community. Sligo Surf Lifesaving Club also successfully hosted the National Surf Lifesaving Championships (open water) over two days at Mullaghmore beach in early September. This event was for nipper and junior age groups.
Also in 2023, water safety weeks took place at Aughris pier and Enniscrone pier. This consisted of instruction in swimming and developing skills in rescue, survival and resucitation.
Lisa Dunne, PRO of Water Safety Ireland Sligo, expressed thanks to those who were involved in various events during 2023. She said: “Water Safety Ireland Sligo are very grateful for the commitment of all the volunteers and participants in the many successful courses and events held throughout the year.
“Water Safety Ireland Sligo is looking forward to its many activities in 2024.”