Calls for more water safety advice after Buncrana double drowning

The State water safety agency has urged the Government to contact IPAS centres in order to offer educational resources following the double drowning tragedy of teenagers Matt Sibanda and Emmanuel Familola in Buncrana.

The chief executive officer of Water Safety Ireland, Dr. Joanne Walsh, said that the agency had written to IPAS services requesting that they send information packs and safety course supplies to centres nationwide.

“We contacted IPAS and offered that our Water Safety advice and our links are brought to the attention of the IPAS centres nationwide to ensure that every person in Ireland who is using water or is on and near water bodies has good water safety advice.”

It comes as Inishowen Councillor Fionán Bradley has raised the need for more water safety awareness among local people, visitors and residents living in International Protection accommodation, with some of the migrants coming from landlocked countries, or far away from coastlines, and who’ve never stepped foot in the water before. 

There are currently no lifeguards on any of Buncrana’s five beaches since Lisfannon lost its Blue Flag status and the Inishowen town faces another year without a lifesaver. Rathmullan is the only beach in the county to secure the services of a lifeguard without a Blue Flag.  

Meanwhile, Buncrana swimming pool has been closed for the last ten years, leaving schoolchildren with no other choice but to attend swimming lessons in Derry. For children living in IPAS centres, crossing the border to attend similar classes isn’t an option. 

Councillor Bradley states that the drownings of Emmanuel and Matt have highlighted the even greater need for Buncrana Leisure Centre to reopen. 

“What the tragedy has shown us is the skills of being able to swim in a seaside town are just essential. You just have to know how to swim when you live anywhere near the sea. It has given us an extra incentive to try and push to get it opened.”

READ NEXT: RNLI urges ‘Float to Live’ if you’re struggling in the water

The Fianna Fáil Councillor, having grown up in Buncrana, knows the dangers of the sea and is advising people to always be cautious around water.

“When I go into the water – and I love the water – I try not to be any deeper than where I can stand. At least if I can stand and it is right up to my chest and I am still able to stand, I should hopefully be able to make it back to safety if I get in trouble.”

With the lack of training facilities in Inishowen, Dr Walsh has noted that a lot of Water Safety Ireland programmes don't require getting into the water.

“Online resources, none of that requires people to get into the water. It gives readers water safety advice. With our education programme, there is only one part to that where there is the option to do a water-based module, but the majority of schools will do the land-based option. These are all delivering the water safety message without getting the person into the water.”

Water Safety Ireland offered its condolences to the family and friends of Emmanuel Familola and Matt Sibanda.

“It is a very tragic situation and our deepest sympathies to the families, friends and the community in the area,” added Ms Walsh. 

Advice on staying safe while swimming this summer is available on the Water Safety Ireland YouTube channel. The video clip can be viewed at A Summer Guide to Water Safety: For schools, parents, guardians and children of all ages.

.