Water Safety Ireland (WSI), is the statutory, voluntary body and registered charity established to promote water safety and reduce drownings in Ireland. WSI’s remit includes public awareness and education. It strives to reduce drownings by changing attitudes and behaviours so that our aquatic environments can be enjoyed by all with confidence and safety.
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.
Waterways that are popular bathing areas benefit from lifeguard coverage that is coordinated by the relevant local authority. Water Safety Ireland provides guidance in conjunction with the City & County Manager’s Association recommending Lifeguard coverage on weekends in June, full time in July and August and weekends again in September. Some local authorities extend this service where possible, depending on water quality status, weather conditions and resource availability. Ireland maintains a lifeguard service independent of any such services in Northern Ireland.
Guidelines for safety equipment and its use are agreed between WSI and the Local Government Management Agency. The recommended options for equipment, the purchase of which is ultimately decided upon by the local authority, are listed in the internationally approved International Life Saving Federation of Europe Risk Assessment document pertaining to each particular beach.
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.
WSI is committed to reviewing all lifesaving syllabi annually to ensure that all standards conform with best international practice. Goal 1 of the WSI's Strategic Development Plan 2023-2027 also commits to developing national and international strategic partnerships to encourage collaboration on water safety.
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. Water Safety Ireland engages regularly with the International Lifesaving Federation of Europe to ensure the relevant local authorities have lifeguards available to recruit that are trained to European standards. In addition, Water Safety Ireland regularly engages with the RNLI as part of the Marine Safety Communications Working Group.
