WATER SAFETY

Throughout 2006 the voluntary activities of County Carlow Water Safety Committee provided a full programme of activities including the teaching of basic swimming skills, water safety, survival and swimming rescue techniques to all age groups.  The Committee staged its annual water safety  Festival for children in the  Muinebheag Swimming Pool during July – the county representative team successfully competed in the  novice grade in the National Surf Rescue Championships held in Curracloe, Co. Wexford.  

The year round availability of the indoor swimming pools at Graiguecullen and Athy combined with the rostered availability of qualified instructors, teachers  and examiners resulted in additional  demand for advanced training in water safety and rescue techniques. 

Irish Water Safety awarded 4,884  certificates to course participants who successfully completed  Swimming,  Water Safety,  Rescue and Resuscitation courses organised by the County Committee during 2006.   
 
The Council employed Lifeguards at the popular bathing areas located at Leighlinbridge,  Bagenalstown  and  Clashganna Borris during the months of  July and August, during which the Lifeguards performed  a number of rescues that prevented loss of  life.

The Carlow Local Authority area offices routinely replace  missing lifebuoys  and  provide necessary  Lifebuoy stations  along the  river Barrow  and  at  priority locations along the River Slaney.  The unauthorised removal of Lifebuoys from priority urban locations remains a source of concern. 

The existence of  passenger/leisure vessels  and marine infrastructure  consistent  with  the upgraded restaurant/social  venues  adjacent  to the  River Barrow in the County makes   the river  an increasingly valuable leisure/tourism activity.  The River Slaney remains an attractive location for fishermen and hikers in the County and its potential for further development as a  local recreational and tourism amenity is currently under examination.

The County Water Safety Committee promoted water safety training and awareness through  their  programme of  activities including courses and competitions throughout 2006.