Funding was provided by the County Council in 2017 to ensure the provision of the Water Safety programme, including the employment of two teams of lifeguards on a daily basis at the very popular bathing areas located on the River Barrow at Bagenalstown and Clashganna Borris. Their two month period of employment commenced on 24th June. During their employment the lifeguarding service completed a rescue and performed risk management interventions which prevented accidental drowning’s and potentially hazardous aquatic situations, involving all age groups, developing.

In 2017 Inland Waterways submitted a planning application for the development of the River Barrow towpath in the county to facilitate the increased public use of the Barrow towpath.

Clashganna and St. Mullins are serviced with suitable car parking and nearby refreshment facilities, are continuing to experience a very significant presence of camping, hiking and commercially orientated water based adventure activities training. Clashganna is an official venue for canoe/kayaking competitions and training events also organized by the Irish Canoe Union. The intensity of use by local and non local commercial interests at this location is increasing pressure on existing access and parking facilities. While the County does not yet have a significant ‘dependent on water’ business population the existence of passenger/leisure craft and marine infrastructure concurrent with upgraded restaurant/social venues in close proximity to the navigable River Barrow in the County makes the river an increasingly significant leisure/tourism activity asset, especially so during favourable weather conditions.

The Water Safety Development Officers annual conference was held in Waterford City in April. Issues discussed at the conference included Ringbuoy Inspections, Swimming Pool Risk Assessments, First Aid for Lifeguards, Inspection of Dunmore East beach bathing area and Inshore Rescue boats.

Efforts to minimise the risk of accidental drowning are by necessity, a team effort. During the year unusual climatic conditions occasionally transformed tranquil rivers in the county into torrents, representing a threat to life and property. It is during such events that the co-ordinated efforts of the Councils area offices, technical and outdoor staff and an appropriately equipped and trained Civil Defence unit are most effective. The Garda Authorities operate the Riverwatch Scheme in an effort to control the risk of anti-social behavior on or adjacent to the River Barrow in the county and the Councils lifeguarding service cooperates closely with the Gardai in this regard.

Aware that most drowning’s occur in inland counties the Council will continue to implement Irish Water Safety policy on managing risk at its popular bathing areas. Complementary to these efforts the County Water Safety Committee will continue to deliver the water safety message through providing a self-financed programme of activities including a broad spectrum of specialist training and swimming/rescue skills development courses, for all age groups, during the current year.