*Senator Martin Conway (FG) in Lahinch.ย 

A CLARE SENATOR is calling for water safety training to be made compulsory in Irish schools.

Senator Martin Conway (FG) referenced the numerous incidents which occurred on lakes, rivers and seas across Ireland โ€œparticularly during the recent hot spells of weatherโ€ and offered his condolences to the families and friends left bereaved as a result.

Teaching of a water safety module needs to become compulsory, he maintained. โ€œThe hot weather means increasing numbers of people are visiting outdoor recreational areas, taking to the sea and people are right to enjoy it. However, I believe that it is time to introduce a compulsory water safety module into our education curriculum. Young people need to have knowledge on swimming safely, the open water and to understand the perils that are involvedโ€.

Similar calls were voiced by Patrick Keane of Whitewater Surf Company when speaking to The Clare Echo following multiple rescues in Spanish Point and West Clare due the presence of a rip current.

Greater understanding of the dangers with the water is required, Senator Conway said. โ€œThere needs to be a general knowledge on the dangers of currents and understanding of water language and terminology such as rip currents, undertows, high tides and rip tides. There needs to be a greater understanding of the tide cycle and respect among young people for the water in general. โ€œWe are an island nation and many people live near the sea and most of our population are only a short drive from swimming areasโ€.

He added, โ€œUnlike other countries we are not blessed with long spells of continuous sunny weather, so when we do have spells like this, people rightly want to take advantage of it. However it is critical not to let ones guard down and take any chances. There are significant rip currents at the moment along the west coast and listening to lifeguard instructions and being aware of safety signage is critically important. As a nation we need to educate our young people through our schools to understand the water, to respect it and to enjoy it in a safe and responsible wayโ€.

Related News

john moran jennifer carroll macneill patrick o'donovan 1
Minister says option from HIQA review will be decided before Christmas
banner plaza 1
Planning system 'abused' as Uisce ร‰ireann pause works on Supermac's Plaza over judicial review
1 Cutting of Ribbon CI O'Flynn Bench-2
Stone benches unveiled in Eyre Square in memory of O'Gorman & O'Flynn
garda checkpoint ennis 10-04-20 3
Scariff checkpoint uncovers motorist's claim that his car is registered to six year old daughter
Latest News
Screenshot 2025-10-16 111517
Clare Echo Halloween photo contest
john moran jennifer carroll macneill patrick o'donovan 1
Minister says option from HIQA review will be decided before Christmas
o'callaghans mills vs ruan 04-10-25 colm cleary 1
Cleary swaps World Trade Center for Cusack Park in Mills bid for promotion
banner plaza 1
Planning system 'abused' as Uisce ร‰ireann pause works on Supermac's Plaza over judicial review
1 Cutting of Ribbon CI O'Flynn Bench-2
Stone benches unveiled in Eyre Square in memory of O'Gorman & O'Flynn
Premium
Stig hitting top gear as Magpies make final push for promotion
St Flannan's & St Joseph's Tulla come from behind to force draws in Harty Cup first round
Horgan hopeful of more success with Truagh/Clonlara
'There was no getting past our defence' - Kilmihil brought different attitude says captain Currane
Scariff checkpoint uncovers motorist's claim that his car is registered to six year old daughter

Advertisement

Subscribe for just โ‚ฌ3 per month

If youโ€™re here, you care about County Clare. So do we. Did you rely on us for Covid-19 updates, follow our election coverage, or visit The Clare Echo every week for breaking news and sport? The Clare Echo invests in local journalism and we want to safeguard its future in our county. By becoming a subscriber you are supporting what we do, will receive access to all our premium articles and a better experience, while helping us improve our offering to you. Subscribe to clareecho.ie and get the first six months for just โ‚ฌ3 a month (less than 75c per week), and thereafter โ‚ฌ8 per month. Cancel anytime, limited time offer. T&Cs Apply. www.clareecho.ie.