asked the Minister for the Environment the relationship between his Department and water safety associations; and the amounts of grants made available to these bodies.
Written Answers . - Water Safety .
94.
: The only water safety body with which my Department have a direct relationship is the Irish Water Safety Association which was set up in 1971 by the then Minister for Local Government. The association operate generally under the aegis of the Department.
An annual grant is paid by my Department to the association and provision has been made this year for a grant of £32,000. Local authorities also make contributions to the association and to other bodies concerned with water safety.
95.
asked the Minister for the Environment the steps he is taking to advise bathers this summer in relation to water safety.
: The current water safety campaign was inaugurated by the Minister for State at a press conference on 1 June. The main objective of the campaign, which is being undertaken by my Department in conjuction with the Irish Water Safety Association, is to create an awareness of the need for bathers and others to take reasonable care while in or near the water. Life saving demonstrations and classes in swimming, life saving and resuscitation are among the activities being held throughout the country as part of the campaign, which is supported by suitable publicity containing advice for bathers.
I have also requested local authorities to review their water safety arrangements, including the erection of warning notices at danger spots and the provision at bathing areas of explanatory notices on the significance of flags used by lifeguards.