Concerns raised over lack of lifeguards in Carlow as swimming season approaches
Cllr Willie Quinn spoke on the subject at the May plenary meeting of Carlow County Council
Concerns have been raised over the lack of lifeguards in County Carlow as the swimming season fast approaches.
Labour councillor Willie Quinn spoke on the subject at the May plenary meeting of Carlow County Council.
Cllr Quinn said that the council has faced problems in recruiting lifeguards to supervise people swimming in the River Barrow.
He said that whilst positions have been filled for the coming summer, the council may face issues filling vacancies in the near future.
In response to Cllr Quinn, Pádraig O'Gorman, Director of Services at Carlow County Council, agreed with the points made.
Mr O’Gorman went on to suggest that the council could do more promotion work, particularly in schools, to encourage young people to become lifeguards.
He added that being a lifeguard is a “well-paid summer job” for people of that age.
Meanwhile, Director of Services Michael Brennan said that the lifeguard shortage is not just a problem in Carlow but across the country as well.
He concluded by saying that lifeguards are “very responsible” for the safety of swimmers and as a result, it is an “extremely well-paid” job.
Fine Gael councillor Paul Doogue later suggested that the council could co-operate with local swimming clubs in order to recruit more lifeguards.
During the same meeting, Fine Gael councillor Michael Doran asked whether there were enough lifebuoys in place for the summer season.
In response, Mr Brennan said that the council recently carried out a risk assessment of the local rivers.
He explained that as a result, there would be a “significant increase” in the number of lifebuoys in the county.
Mr Brennan also expressed his frustration at the “shocking vandalism” of lifebuoys, which he described as a “constant problem”.
He concluded by saying that people who steal lifebuoys are “putting lives at risk”.