Howth RNLI Community Safety Team raise awareness about water safety at the Ireland Angling 2017 exhibition in Swords
Members of Howth RNLI’s Community Safety Team were on hand to raise awareness and offer safety advice at the Ireland Angling 2017 exhibition at the National Show Centre in Swords last weekend (18 and 19 Feb 2017). The charity that saves lives at sea has been a popular presence at the annual fishing show for the last ten years.
The Community Safety Team carried out a lifejacket clinic and provided advice to anglers and water sports enthusiasts about being prepared before they take to the water and what to do if they find themselves in difficulty.512people availed of the free safety advice on offer at the exhibition this year.
Andrew Lowe, a member of the RNLI Community Safety Team at the Ireland Angling Show 2017 exhibition in Swords. He was helping to raise awareness about the importance of wearing lifejackets, carrying personal locator beacons and having an effective means of communicating in the event of an emergency for any one taking part in angling or water sports. Photo Credit: Tara Murphy.
John McKenna, Community Safety Officer with Howth RNLI commented, “We would encourage anyone who enjoys angling or water sports to take a little time to prepare before they go out on or near the water. Always wear a lifejacket and have an effective means of communicating in the event of an emergency; a mobile phone in a waterproof case or a VHF radio are the best options. Consider buying a personal locator beacon and always tell friends or family where you are going and when you expect to return home”.
The RNLI is aiming to reduce coastal drowning significantly by 2024 through its Respect the Water campaign, which engages with water users on how to stay safe and maintain their equipment. Water Safety advice is available on www.rnli.org/safety.
If any angling, sailing or water sports clubs would like a member of the RNLI Sea Safety Team to give a sea safety presentation and carry out a free lifejacket clinic, please contact John McKenna at csohowthlifeboatstation@gmail.com .