Almost six accidents an hour were prevented at Clare’s nine Blue Flag beaches during the month of June.
414 potential accidents were avoided at Clare’s nine Blue Flag beaches during the month of June according to figures compiled by Clare County Council.
The figures show that four swimmers were rescued by lifeguards from the water, sixty eight people received first aid treatment, lifeguards assisted lost children in being reunited with their guardians on six separate occasions, and safety and information advice was provided on 1,667 occasions.
With the school holidays now underway, Clare County Council is reminding parents and children of the steps they should take to stay safe when spending time in the water this summer.
“We want families and all visitors to our beaches to enjoy themselves but to be mindful of the importance of water safety awareness,” explained Clare McGrath, Clare Water Safety Development Officer.
Commenting on the role played by lifeguards in preventing accidents from occurring last month, Ms. McGrath said, “Many of the incidents related to informing and assisting bathers who had knowingly or unknowingly strayed outside the red and yellow flags which denote safe bathing zones. On other occasions, lifeguards engaged with bathers who had entered the water at know dangerous bathing locations. In each of these cases, potential accidents were averted.”
She continued: “We are urging the public to only used lifeguarded bathing places to ensure there are no tragedies during the summer. We also are reminding the public to take heed of advice given by the lifeguards and to supervise your children at all times.”
Clare bathers are urged to take note of the water safety advice provided by the local authority
- Only swim at Lifeguarded areas
- Don’t Swim Alone
- Swim Parallel to the shore – Don’t swim out to sea
- Obey the Lifeguards – pay attention to signs on the beach
- Don’t Swim in strange places
- Don’t Swim after drifting objects, inflatable toys are not suitable for the beach
- Don’t stay in the water too long
- Always wear a lifejacket when boating
Clare County Council employs full-time lifeguard cover at Bishops Quarter (Ballyvaughan), Seafield Quilty and at Clare’s 9 Blue Flag beaches from 11.00am to 7.00pm daily during July and August and on weekends during the month of June every year. Members of the public are requested to report any damaged, stolen, missing or retrieved ringbuoys via www.ringbuoys.ie, or by contacting Claire McGrath on 065-6846270.
Follow Clare County Council on social media for daily beach condition updates.