I welcome my colleague the Minister of State, Deputy Barrett, to the Seanad.
I am raising a number of matters and I ask the Minister to pass on one message to those concerned. Unfortunately in recent years sad and tragic accidents have occurred. Many people lost their lives in water-related incidents, some of which could have been avoided if more care and attention had been taken. I ask the Minister to look at the existing standards. If extra resources are needed they should be provided. Educating people and making them aware of the hazards of water are necessary. Obviously one can have a good time and derive much pleasure from swimming, boating, surfing or sail-boarding but the reality is that the water can be a cruel and dangerous recreation area and, unfortunately, accidents have taken place which could have been avoided.
We read at times about people doing foolish things. They go out on the water, despite warnings to the contrary, without the proper equipment, at the wrong times of the day or after eating a meal. There should be greater awareness of these dangers taught in the schools. Unfortunately, it is sometimes the people one would expect to be more mature and responsible who create problems.
Greater care has to be taken in relation to water safety generally, on the farm, on rivers, lakes, beaches or canals. Those who are supervising and running these recreation pursuits must also take more care. There is a role here for local authorities and for the public, particularly grown ups. There should be a greater awareness of danger particularly as there are many treacherous lakes and beaches around the country. People must be made more aware of these dangers.
More funding must be made available and a greater commitment must be given. According to the 1993 report of the National Safety Council, there were 183 deaths in 1992 and a similar number in 1993. There is no doubt that some of these accidents could have been avoided. People have to be made aware of the dangers of and develop a respect for water. Basic steps, such as wearing life jackets and carrying certain equipment, should be taken in case people get into difficulty. There should be an in-depth study of accidents involving boaters, canoeists and surfers to ascertain how these accidents happen. Where tragic accidents have occurred we should learn from them. If there has been a tragic loss of life, that death will not be wasted if similar accidents can be avoided in the future.
I ask the Minister to outline how he views the situation. I have no doubt he shares my concern. Water safety committees should take another look at safety, survival, rescue, first aid and so on, particularly if we get a decent summer. Some people seem to think that accidents cannot happen. Some accidents could be avoided if people, for example, avoid swimming after eating or while under the influence of alcohol.
I ask the Minister to respond positively. I am sure he and his Department are concerned about the accidents which have taken place, some of which could have been avoided. We have to examine what happened and see how we can avoid such accidents in the future. People who tutor the young particularly must take basic precautions. Even if the weather looks marvellous, certain safety standards must be adopted. If precautions are taken and difficulties arise, people have a better chance of survival. I ask the Minister to respond positively and I thank the Cathaoirleach for allowing me to raise this matter.
