44 swimmers were rescued from the water at Clare’s lifeguarded beaches during July compared to 32 such incidents during the same month in 2015.
Figures compiled by Clare County Council lifeguards reveal that 2261 potential accidents or 9 accidents per hour were avoided at Clare’s nine Blue Flag beaches last month with on-duty lifeguards engaging with bathers who had entered the water at known dangerous bathing locations or assisting bathers who had knowingly or unknowingly strayed outside the red and yellow flags.
The figures also show that first aid treatment was administered to 316 people while lifeguards reunited 77 lost children with their guardians, up from 16 such incidents in July 2015.
Clare McGrath, Clare Water Safety Development Officer, is reminding parents and children of the steps they should take to stay safe when spending time in the water during the remainder of the summer holidays.
“We want families and all visitors to our beaches to enjoy themselves but to be mindful of the importance of water safety awareness,” she said. “We are urging the public to only used lifeguarded bathing places to ensure there are no tragedies. We also are reminding the public to take heed of advice given by the lifeguards and to supervise your children at all times.”
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.
See the social media accounts of Clare County Council for daily beach condition updates.