CLARECASTLE resident, Clare McGrath has been appointed as the Chairperson of the Council of Water Safety Ireland (WSI).
For the past five years, Clare sat on the Council as an ordinary member and takes on the role of Chair for a five year period succeeding Martin O’Sullivan. She is tasked with providing leadership to the Council in the continued delivery of the National Drowning Prevention Strategy 2018-2027, along with the strategic development of the organisation.
Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD (FG) announced the appointment on Wednesday afternoon. “Clare brings a wealth of experience as a lifelong member of Water Safety Ireland and Swim Ireland.
Speaking to The Clare Echo, the Ennis native said she was “very pleased to be appointed”. She expected the voluntary role to be a challenging one but was aiming to relish the opportunity. “I am honoured and delighted, I’ve been involved in water safety all my life so this is great. It is overwhelming today but it is all very positive”.
Clare is an international “A” Referee for lifesaving sport and has been invited to be Chief Referee and Deputy Chief Referee at World and European Championships, and European Junior Championships. She was director of competition for the European Junior Lifesaving Championships held in Ireland in September 2018. She currently works with Clare County Council, Environment Team as Water Safety Development Officer. Her remit is all items relating to the beaches, supervision of beach lifeguards, blue flags, beach trading licences, beach byelaws.
Water Safety Ireland is a statutory body, responsible for the promotion of public awareness in relation to water safety and the provision of education and training in water safety and lifeguarding skills. It actively works to reduce and prevent drowning and water related accidents through education and promotion of water safety. It relies on around 5,000 volunteers around the country to assist it in achieving its aims.
