Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 March 2024
64. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development her recent engagements with the board of Water Safety Ireland regarding recommended equipment guidelines for lifeguarding that it issues to local authorities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10352/24]
View answerWater Safety Ireland (WSI) is the statutory, voluntary body and registered charity established to promote water safety and reduce drownings in Ireland. WSI has statutory responsibility for the promotion of public awareness of water safety; advancement of education related to the prevention of accidents in water; instruction in water safety; and the establishment of national standards for lifeguards.
In 2023 I launched WSI’s Strategic Development Plan 2023-2027. Goal 5, with its four corresponding objectives, specifically focuses on lifeguarding, both beach and pool.
WSI has been training lifeguards since 1945 and has thirty committees doing so nationwide. WSI training records show that 2,298 lifeguards were certified in 2023. The WSI lifeguard education syllabus meets the standards sets by the International Life Saving Federation, which is composed of national aquatic lifesaving organisations from around the world.
While WSI is an independent body under the aegis of my Department, the employment of lifeguards and the equipment provided to them are matters for the relevant local authority under the Local Government Acts. Neither my Department nor Water Safety Ireland have a remit in respect of local government employment or equipment provided for local government services.
Water Safety Development Officers (WSDO) are employees of the relevant local authority, and their duties typically include purchasing of water safety equipment for lifeguards, instructors and examiners, and employment of lifeguards at swimming areas during the summer season.
Guidelines for safety equipment and its use are agreed between WSI and the LGMA. WSI does not recommend a type or standard of equipment for Local Authorities and it provides risk assessments only on request from a local authority.
WSI's National Drowning Prevention Strategy aims to reduce the number of drownings in Ireland by targeting at-risk groups. The drowning rate in Ireland has been steadily declining over recent years. In 2012 the annual figure was 144 and in 2022 the number was reported at 84. Our five-year average is currently 91 drownings per year. Every drowning is a tragedy for all concerned and we must continue our efforts to reduce drownings in Ireland as far as possible.
