asked the Minister for Local Government whether the Department has any figure on the number of life-guards available on the beaches during the summer months; whether such guards all require a standard proficiency; and whether any concerted drive to provide life saving equipment for prominent bathing places is under way.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Life-saving Measures.
118.
Figures of the number of lifeguards available on all beaches are not available in my Department. The employment of life-guards is a matter for the local sanitary authorities and my Department has repeatedly urged that they be employed at all bathing places where conditions warrant. While standard qualifications have not been laid down, I understand that persons being employed are normally expected to be between the ages of 19 and 45 years, of good physique and character, and to hold a medal or certificate of proficiency in life-saving from an approved body such as the Irish Red Cross Society or the Royal Life Saving Society. In Dublin, and some other areas, applicants for employment must also undergo practical tests to establish their competence.
As regards the provision of life-saving equipment, my Department constantly reminds sanitary authorities of their responsibilities in this matter and urges them to provide adequate and appropriate equipment wherever it may be needed.
As I informed the House on June 11th, I recently issued a personal appeal to the chairman of each sanitary authority asking that he and the other elected members would co-operate with me to the maximum possible extent in ensuring that adequate water safety measures are taken, including the employment of life-guards, wherever appropriate. This was followed up by a letter to the managers asking them to interest themselves directly in the problem of water safety and to confirm that they were satisfied with the arrangements made in their areas.