#watersafety – Thirty-seven rescuers from twenty-two dramatic near-death incidents will receive recognition at Irish Water Safety's National Awards Ceremony at City Hall on Tuesday 19th November 2014, from 3pm to 5pm. Thirty-six lives were saved from drowning through the brave actions of these rescuers.
Mr Fergus O'Dowd TD Minister of State at the Department of Communications, Energy & Natural Resources and Environment, Community & Local Government will present the "SEIKO Just in Time Rescue Award" to these rescuers in appreciation for saving so many lives.
"Tragically an average of 140 drownings occur in Ireland every year," commented Minister O'Dowd, "and although that's 140 too many, the figure would be even higher but for the dramatic efforts of these individuals who saved others from drowning and the ongoing work of volunteers teaching swimming and rescue skills. Last year, the 147 drownings in Ireland were higher than the annual average, reason enough to highlight the work of Irish Water Safety Volunteers and their partners in the public and private sector in educating more people on how best to enjoy our wonderful aquatic facilities more safely. Complacency around aquatic environments is simply not an option", he added."
"The tragic drownings during this summer's warm weather brought home the need for constant vigilance around water. During the hot spell, twelve people drowned in two weeks and in July alone, Lifeguards trained and assessed by Irish Water Safety, rescued 559 people from drowning."
"I appeal to all adults to make themselves more aware of the dangers in, on and around water", continued Minister O'Dowd. "It only takes seconds for tragedy to strike and this can so easily be avoided if people take responsibility for their own safety by learning about the hazards. I ask that people encourage friends and family to read Irish Water Safety's guidelines at www.iws.ie so that they don't become a drowning statistic."
"Drownings often happen quickly and silently with 80% of drownings occurring close to the victim's home. The range of aquatic activities is extremely varied yet what is tragically constant each year is the gender most at risk - males - tragically reflected in the fact that of the 147 drownings last year, 113 were male and 34 female. An alarming 47% of accidental drownings occurred in the 30-59 year age group clearly demonstrating that regardless of age, one is never too old to learn how to stay safe around water."
Long-Service Awards will also be presented, recognising 670 years of personal service of 29 Irish Water Safety volunteers from around the country for teaching swimming, rescue and water survival skills.
