STAY SAFE AT THE FLEADH – WATER SAFETY MESSAGE & APPEAL
A message from Henry O’Donnell (Anrí Ó Domhnaill) Ambassador, Water Safety Ireland.
Henry O’Donnell, Ambassador for Water Safety Ireland is advising those attending the Fleadh to please make water safety a priority for the rest of the summer.
“Please tell children in your care that to stay S.A.F.E. is to Stay Away From Edges” said Mr O’Donnell, “Many people get into difficulty in water because they fall in accidentally and don’t have the skills to rescue themselves. Please stay away from the edges of waterways including riverbanks, lakes, canals and unfenced areas on farms and if you plan on going for a swim, please go to lifeguarded waterways or to areas that are known locally to be safe and have ringbuoys available for rescues.”
“Henry recently took off his swimming fins after swimming around the entire island of Ireland and I can think of no better role model to take on the role of our Ambassador”, said Roger Sweeney, Acting CEO of Water Safety Ireland. “He has contributed much to the Fleadh over the years and is now helping contribute to the safety of children and adults at risk of drowning, by pointing out the advice that will help protect visitors during and after this wonderful celebration of our musical heritage.”
Water Safety advice to all enjoying the Fleadh:
- Plan and prepare before going swimming. Check weather and water conditions for your area. Bring suitable swimwear and warm clothing.
- On farms, check that any rivers, streams, water barrels and slurry pits are fenced off.
- Inflatable toys pose a real threat to life and should not be used on rivers, lakes or any open water.
- Never swim in quarries as the cold water will cool the muscles you need to stay afloat.
- Never swim while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Parents and guardians need to be particularly careful and ensure children are supervised at all times.
- Swim at Lifeguarded waterways listed at www.watersafety.ie/lifeguards.
- Swim within your depth and stay within your depth.
- If you see or discover someone in trouble in the water call 999 / 112
- Respect inland waterways; comply with safety signage and Stay Safe.