Safety signs to be erected for colliding surfers in Clare

In response to the growing number of collisions involving surfers at Lahinch beach, Clare County Council is to erect signage displaying a "safe cross code" for surfers in the water.

The council's water safety officer, Liam Griffin, confirmed yesterday that the council would put in place the signage at Clare's Blue Flag beaches, Lahinch and Fanore. Through the new beach bylaws, the council already has demarcated separate zones for surfers and swimmers.

Surfing has become increasingly popular at Lahinch following a successful surf world- record attempt earlier this year.However, Mr Griffin said there had been "a couple of incidents lately of surfers colliding with each other in the water, with one incident occurring where one surfer suffered a bad foot injury.

"A number of surfers wouldn't have a clue on what to do in the water. It is a wonderful sport, but it can be dangerous for beach users if a surfer doesn't know the basics. It is becoming more and more common for lifeguards to rescue surfers as some of them are very poor swimmers."

Tom Buckley of Lahinch Surf Shop and West Coast Surf Club said: "There is a need to erect a 'safe cross code' at the surfing beaches. With each board that we sell, we also provide safety instructions for surfers on the water. We would be delighted to see the signage erected."

Ennis surfer Brian Nevin was injured at Lahinch in a collision last Tuesday. He needed hospital treatment - seven stitches to a bad gash on his left foot - and was forced off work for one week.

"Mine was a small injury," Mr Nevin said, "but I feel that it is only a matter of time before somebody is seriously injured and even killed in the water.

"People need to be educated about water and surf safety" through information points on the beach, he added.