Simon Coveney
Ceist:98 Mr. Coveney asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his strategy to promote water safety in the recreational area before the summer recess. [16021/03]
Written Answers. - Water Safety.
Since taking office I have given safety on the water the highest priority. My overall objective is to develop a culture of safety in and around water to prevent the tragic accidents that we have seen in recent years. My strategy is to promote the use of vessels which are safe and carry appropriate life saving equipment and to encourage the public to learn about and abide by the safety rules. I am delivering on this strategy through a combination of having in place internationally benchmarked safety legislation applicable to all vessels using our waters, including inland waters, where safety rules are clear; through the provision of public education and awareness programmes, targeted in particular at persons using the water and young people, and utilising a combination of media approaches such as national and local radio campaigns, the distribution of safety information leaflets and a water safety promotion in schools; and a programme of enforcement of the safety legislation by my Department. This year I have put in place a range of new safety measures relating to small craft.
In September last I announced a review of safety on small water craft. A key element of this was the issuing by my Department of a consultation paper on the wearing of lifejackets. It is clear from the 114 responses received that the public support my objective of having everyone wearing a lifejacket in small open boats. On 30 May I announced that I will introduce a new safety code for life jackets and safety equipment on all leisure craft. The onus is being placed on boat and water craft owners and operators to ensure that everyone on board wears a lifejacket. I have already made it compulsory to carry lifejackets on all passenger vessels and spot checks will be undertaken to ensure this and other safety rules are complied with.
On 29 May I launched Marine Safety 2003, a programme of radio and on-line advertising to bring home the message that safety on the water is everyone's responsibility. My Department is being supported in running this programme by various marine, water safety and rescue organisations who comprise the marine safety working group. A new website, www.safetyonthewater.ie, has recently been initiated by my Department and the key messages under this programme include: everyone is responsible for their own safety; the importance of wearing a life jacket and receiving training in safety procedures; and the need to be sure that a boat is licensed before a person pays to go on board.
The 52 coast guard units positioned around the coast will be visiting their local primary schools before the end of term to distribute safety on the water and at the beach material and will provide advice on how to use the 999/112 emergency telephone system. During the summer the coast guard units will also visit their local caravan parks and holiday centres distributing safety material and providing advice. Community inshore and coast guard rescue boats will also patrol off busy beaches in support of beach lifeguards. I recently announced a crackdown on passenger boat safety with a campaign of random spot checks this summer.