Sport

Water safety appeal launched in bid to reduce summer drownings

Angling Notes: Caution urged at waterways nationwide as figures show 79 people drowned in 2021

Angling notes
Angling notes
Derek Evans
Sat Jun 25 2022 - 05:00

WATER Safety Ireland (WSI), the Coast Guard and RNLI have issued a joint appeal calling for caution at waterways nationwide. The appeal aims to reduce summer drownings and comes as figures released show that 79 people drowned in 2021 and 1,108 drowned in the last 10 years, an average of nine every month.

Roger Sweeney, acting CEO at WSI, said: “Drownings can happen quickly and silently, and warmer weather sometimes lulls people into a false sense of security. However, waterways are still cool, which affects the muscles needed to swim safely back to shore.

“Alcohol is a factor in one-third of drownings and should never be consumed before any aquatic activity as it can lead to someone overestimating their ability and underestimating the risks.

“From an angling perspective, always wear a personal flotation device. Wear the right clothing, ie warm, waterproof clothing is essential in Irish weather. Watch where you are going, beware of hidden dangers such as mooring lines on quay walls and falling rocks if fishing beneath cliffs.”

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Kevin Rahill, water safety lead at RNLI, added: “With the weather improving it is important to take some basic steps to stay safe. Make sure you are visible by wearing a coloured swim cap. Use a tow float and carry a mobile phone in a waterproof pouch and a whistle. If you get into trouble, lean back, using your arms and legs to stay afloat. Control breathing, then call for help or swim to safety.”

Rye fish kill investigation continues

Investigations are continuing into the cause of the recent serious fish kill on the river Rye in Leixlip, Co Kildare, pending analysis of samples taken. Fisheries officers were alerted on June 8th, and fish samples were removed for scientific analysis.

An estimated 500 mortalities of brown trout and other species were found in a 2km stretch of river. The Rye water is an important spawning river for brown trout and a key spawning channel for Atlantic salmon within the river Liffey catchment area.

Doo Lough at Delphi Lodge, Leenaun, Co Galway
Doo Lough at Delphi Lodge, Leenaun, Co Galway

Young fly fishers wanted

Delphi Lodge in Leenaun, Co Galway is hoping to attract young people to the sport of fly fishing by hosting a Beginner’s Week from July 24th-30th. The programme will include fishing rotations, casting clinics to cover spey basics, fly tying, entomology and how to become a fishing guide. Also included is an e-bike excursion, hill walking and yoga sessions.

The lodge has made arrangements for teens to attend but family bookings are welcome. Young couples, singles and groups are also encouraged to give it a try.

For further details, contact heather@delphilodge.ie.

Killarney symposium cancelled

The EIFAAC Symposium, scheduled to take place in Randles Hotel, Killarney last Wednesday, was cancelled, and a further update will be issued when a new date for the event is confirmed.

Fly-tying workshop in Co Cork

Paul Molloy will hold a fly-tying workshop for intermediate-level anglers on Saturday July 9th in the Arnold Angling Centre, Killavullen, Co Cork from 10am to 2pm. The workshop will include CDC Split Wing; Parachutes; Euro-nymphs and Perdigones. As space is limited, contact Paul on 083-0358379 or Conor 087-7554682 ASAP.

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