Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 September 2013
938. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if the assistance from his Department to the Irish Water Safety Organisation will be augmented in the coming year in recognition of the worrying increase in drownings from a record low in 2010 of 112 to 147 in 2012 and in consideration of the high number of fatalities during summer 2013. [38081/13]
View answerI share the concern regarding the number of drownings in 2012 and during the summer of 2013. Each such drowning is a tragedy and the effects are long lasting for the family, friends and colleagues of the victim.
Irish Water Safety continues to work hard in carrying out its statutory duties to raise awareness of water safety, set the standards for water safety measures and, ultimately, reduce the number of drownings in Ireland.
In 2012 alone, lifeguards who are assessed by Irish Water Safety rescued 398 persons from drowning, administered first aid to 2,809 people and reunited 319 lost children with their guardians. There were many thousands of other interventions by lifeguards that anticipated and thus prevented accidents occurring.
My Department keeps under review the funding of all functions and agencies covered by the Department’s Vote. Given the current difficult economic situation it is important to consider the range of innovative steps that may be taken to respond to the challenges that arise. I understand that the Council of Irish Water Safety has begun work on an emergency plan for future hot weather or heat wave events, such as occurred in July 2013. I welcome this and I will continue to work with Irish Water Safety to ensure that the resources available are used to their fullest potential and to support them in developing responses to water safety challenges.
