Mr. Michael Kitt, T.D., Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government addressed the Irish Water Safety Annual Examiners Conference in Ennis last night.The theme of this year's conference was 'First Aid - Developing Standards Within Lifesaving'. The Minister thanked the Water Safety Examiners for their important role in promoting water safety. Speaking at the conference dinner he said 'The dedication of the people here before me, who are leaders in their communities at promoting water safety, through their instruction, examination and publicity work on a voluntary basis at local level is a precious thing. It must be fostered and encouraged to grow'.
However, the Minister expressed regret that drownings had risen in number last year. In 2007 the figure rose to 156 which is too high. 'The importance of water safety programmes have never been more important', he said. The Minister launched two new leaflets for the Irish Water Safety. They are an Aqua Attack Leaflet which will promote the Primary Aquatic Water Safety (PAWS) Programme and a Hypothermia Leaflet. He also launched a new series of swim certificates which have been designed for the pool leisure centre industry.
