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Did you know that on average 140 people drown in Ireland each year? Most of these tragic deaths happen inland, in rivers and lakes, on farms and in and around homes and these accidents are preventable.

To mark today's start of Irish Water Safety's National Water Safety Awareness Week, (May 27th - June 3rd 2013), Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Phil Hogan joined Fionnuala Sheehan, http://drinkaware.ie and Richie Fitzgerald, Irish pro-surfer and owner of Surfworld Bundoran, to launch a joint campaign by http://drinkaware.ie and Irish Water Safety (IWS) to raise awareness ahead of the summer of the dangers of mixing alcohol and water based activities. On average, 140 people drown in Ireland every year, the vast majority of drowning victims are male, the average age of victims is 42 years, and the majority of drownings occur inland. A number of factors contribute to drowning: an analysis of drownings recorded by Irish Water Safety nationwide found that alcohol consumption was a contributory factor in a number of these cases, so the message to the public is NEVER EVER DRINK AND DIVE OR SWIM OR SAIL

Irish Water Safety's National Water Safety Awareness Week Press Release

Then follow this link: https://www.112.ie/Additional_Personal_Information/147 and fill out details like how to get to your house or use a Loc8code for GPS users. Details of family illness, pertinent medical information or next-of-kin information that would assist the Emergency Services in their response in the event of them receiving an Emergency 112 SMS from your mobile phone; details of a boat that you use so the Coast Guard can find it easily.
For information on how to use your mobile phone in an emergency click on: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XPZv_8dABfU&feature=share


National Lifesaving Team take 16 medals competing with 42 Nations at Rescue 2012 in Australia (pictured: Dylan Barrett reaches buoy and signals for Board Rescue by Oisin McGrath). Results

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Waterways can be dangerous and its easy to forget this until tragedy strikes so always wear a lifejacket when you are on water – it’s your lifeline in an emergency.

View safety messages
14 Steps to safe SWIMMING, 14 Steps to safe BOATING
Blue Flag beaches & White Flag swimming pools in Ireland
Holidaying Abroad Safely

Its never too late to learn to swim. Help protect yourself and your family from drowning by taking up Irish Water Safety’s swimming and lifesaving classes nationwide

Latest News

• Read about all rescue Awards HERE
• Winner of the Best overall group in Social & Behavioural Sciences at the BT Young Scientists & Technology Awards.
• IWS 2013 Calendar
• View our Media Gallery here
• Angling fan Terrie McEvoy helps Irish Water Safety to drive home the message that Lifejackets Save Lives.
• Download the IWS Smartphone App for details of Lifeguarded waterways nationwide and lots of water safety tips.
• Commercial Fishermen Lifejacket Campaign
• "Lifeguarding is a sport?!” Here’s how your company can partner with IWS Sports programmes...
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Access Officer Contact Details:
Email: accessofficer@iws.ie
Post: Irish Water Safety, The Long Walk, Galway
Call: 091-564400 / LoCall 1890420202
Fax: 091-564700