Surf Life Saving Australias President and Chief Executive Officer where on a courtesy Visit to Irish Water Safety this month. The drowning prevention strategies of Ireland and Australia were discussed over a four-day period when Irish Water Safety, the statutory body established to promote water safety in Ireland, played host to Surf Life Saving Australia.
Surf Life Saving Australias President and Chief Executive Officer where on a courtesy Visit to Irish Water Safety this month. The drowning prevention strategies of Ireland and Australia were discussed over a four-day period when Irish Water Safety, the statutory body established to promote water safety in Ireland, played host to Surf Life Saving Australia.
In welcoming the visitors the host and Chairman of Irish Water Safety, Mr Frank Nolan, expressed his belief that the primary goal of reducing all types of drowning accidents in Ireland is achievable with the ongoing commitment of the volunteers and the fine cooperation of the Irish Coast Guard and the other rescue services such as the Royal National Lifeboat Institution.
However, from Irish Water Safety’s point of view the interchange of ideas and methodology of saving life through International partnerships is of paramount importance and this is done through ILS with the affiliated lifesaving organisations worldwide.
“We are particularly pleased to host Mr Ron Rankin (President) and Mr Greg Nance (Secretary General) of Surf Life Saving Australia before their busy summer season, commented Mr Nolan. “Irish Water Safety shared information on how they conduct Lifeguard patrols, carry out risk assessments to make waterways safer as well as the many education and promotional programs presently being conducted to help reduce drownings in Ireland.
Irish Water Safety Lifesavers are responsible for hundreds of rescues, first aid treatments, and awareness and educational programs every year, resulting in not only a significant economic value to communities nationwide, but also the priceless value of saving a life.
During their trip to Ireland, the President and Secretary General of SLSA visited the Irish Coast Guard (ICG) in Tramore, many RNLI Lifeboat Stations, the ICG Rescue Helicopter at Waterford Airport, including several Irish Water Safety Venues.
“Surf Life Saving Australia has been a pioneer in rescue and resuscitation throughout the world and has a strong research and development focus. The Lifesavers of Australia are world renowned, in fact they are considered a national institution within Australia. The association between Irish Water Safety and Surf Life Saving Australia is a very historical one and this is reflected in a close working relationship on lifesaving matters over the years.
“Despite the significant advancements in technology, techniques and knowledge, people still drown on Ireland’s waterways in unacceptable numbers ” 149 tragic drownings in 2004 alone. Irish Water Safety in cooperation with Surf Life Saving Australia continue to develop practices in education, prevention and rescue, remaining the benchmark for aquatic rescue in Ireland and around the globe with fellow members of International Lifesaving Federation.