Latest news with #RogerSweeney
The Irish Sun
32 minutes ago
- Climate
- The Irish Sun
‘Number of drownings doubled' -Irish water safety bosses issue warning after six swimming tragedies within weeks
WATER safety chiefs have issued an urgent warning ahead of the busy summer season - after the latest swimming tragedies in Irish waters. As the weather improves and the evenings are getting brighter, more people are expected to return to the water for activities such as and surfing. 4 Many Irish swimmers are set to hit the beach during summer as the weather improves Credit: Alamy Live News 4 Deputy CEO Roger Sweeney shared advice for parents to keep their children safe Credit: Getty Images - Getty Talking to the He urges parents to take a moment and teach their children the precise boundaries of Irish waters and conversation about how to stay safe while swimming. He added: "When you bring children or friends to a waterway, take a moment to visualise drawing an imaginary line on the ground, a clear boundary that must not be crossed until you've assessed the risks and had a real conversation about safety. READ MORE ON NEWS "Once there, Mr Sweeney also highlighted the importance of knowing the "lifesaving equipment" such as ringbuoys and how it is crucial to never tamper with them as it can save lives when needed. He continued: "Talk to them about the importance of lifesaving equipment like ringbuoys — and why it's crucial never to tamper with or misuse them. "These are small actions — but they can make the biggest difference." Most read in The Irish Sun Water Safety Ireland chiefs have also warned of the dangers of rip currents. They said: "Rip currents are powerful, narrow channels of fast-moving water that can pull swimmers away from shore. School principal pays touching tribute to teen who died in Meath swimming tragedy "If caught in one, don't panic, swim parallel to the beach to escape the current, then head back to shore." It is also vital to be aware of the water and tide times and have someone to watch them before entering. Head of Operations Section at the Irish Coast Guard, Kevin Whitney, highlighted the alarming rise in drownings this year. He said: "In May 2025, the number of drownings has doubled compared to the same period in 2024, bringing tragic loss to families across the country." He urged everyone to be "mindful of the dangers, plan ahead, and follow the appropriate safety guidelines" . And if you see somebody in trouble on the water, along the coast or think they are in trouble, use marine VHF radio Ch 16 or dial 112 and ask for the MEATH INCIDENT The urgent appeal comes after His body was recovered from the River Nanny in Laytown, Co Kofi was with friends enjoying the hot weather in the water near Laytown Beach A member of the public called emergency services at around 6.15 pm and a major search got underway involving the At around 9.30pm, a body was recovered from the water following the operation. SAFETY ADVICE FOR WATER-BASED ACTIVITIES If you are sailing or motorboating: Always wear an appropriate lifejacket Always carry a means of calling and signalling for help When engaging in any boating activity; Ensure there is an emergency action plan in place, and everybody has an onboard briefing Get the right level of training for your craft Always check the weather and tide times Make sure someone on the shore knows where you are going and who to call if you don't return on time. Always operate your boat at a speed that is appropriate to the weather conditions and to the environment you are operating in. If you are swimming: Water temperatures are still cold at this year of the year, consider wearing a wetsuit to stay warm Acclimatise slowly Check the weather forecast and tide times Never swim alone and always ensure that your activity is being monitored by a colleague If you are heading out on the water or visiting the coast: Always check the weather and tide times Tell someone where you are going and what time you will be back Wear a lifejacket when angling on the shoreline or riverbanks Stay away from the water's edge when out walking Ensure children are under constant adult supervision when close to large bodies of water Kofi was from the Blackrock area of Dundalk and had travelled from the northeast town to Laytown with his pals. In an emotional post by his In a post on Colaiste Chu Chulainn Principal Thomas Sharkey also paid tribute, saying the school community was "heartbroken" by the teen's death. He also described Kofi as "a fine young man, a very kind, a very caring and a very diligent student". He added: "He's an excellent sportsman. He had just played in an All-Ireland basketball final and in a Leinster soccer final in his age group of under-16. "He finished his Junior Cert exams only 10 days ago, and his older sister was a past pupil of our school. Kofi and his family are in all of our thoughts." 4 Kofi Owusu tragically lost his life while swimming at Laytown Beach on Friday Credit: Coláiste Chú Chulainn 4 Water safety chiefs have shared an urgent appeal to swimmers Credit: Getty Images - Getty
Irish Daily Mirror
9 hours ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
Water safety chief issues urgent appeal in wake of recent swimming tragedies
Water Safety Ireland is urging the public to exercise increased caution around water after the tragic drowning of a sixth teenager in as many week. Deputy CEO Roger Sweeney said: 'We urge everyone – parents, carers, communities, and individuals – to talk about water safety before you even leave the house, especially during warm weather when more people are drawn to the water. 'When you bring children or friends to a waterway, take a moment to visualise drawing an imaginary line on the ground, a clear boundary that must not be crossed until you've assessed the risks and had a real conversation about safety. 'Once there, swim within your depth, stay within your depth and don't take your eyes off children — not even for a second. They need constant, uninterrupted adult supervision. That means active watching — not just being nearby. "Talk to them about the importance of lifesaving equipment like ringbuoys — and why it's crucial never to tamper with or misuse them. These are small actions — but they can make the biggest difference.' Kofi Owusu was the sixth drowning victim of someone under 18 in six weeks. The 15-year old was swimming in the River Nanny at Laytown, Co Meath, when he got into difficulties underneath a footbridge. He was with a group of other boys playing in the water but it is believed he was carried away by a strong current and became submerged. The alarm was raised by a member of the public around 6.15pm on Friday and a search and rescue operation was launched within minutes. His body was discovered in the river shortly after 9.30pm. Kofi, who had been living in the Blackrock area of Dundalk in Co Louth, had recently finished his Junior Cert exams and was among a group of teenagers who had gone to the seaside town of Laytown for the day. He was also a talented basketball player, part of the Coláiste Chu Chulainn squad from Dundalk which reached the All-Ireland Cup 'B' U-16 final last year. The area of the river where the teen drowned is tidal with strong swirling currents making it dangerous even for strong swimmers. Local Labour TD Ged Nash told the Sunday Mirror that the young man's death was a 'dreadful tragedy'. He added: 'This is a dreadful tragedy and an indescribable loss to the young man's family and friends. 'My heart goes out to Kofi's family, his friends and all of those who witnessed Friday evening's terrible tragedy. The community thanks the emergency services and local volunteers for their actions. 'I want to appeal to everyone who wants to enjoy the water to do so safely and to take all of the necessary precautions and safety advice.' After the alarm was raised, the Dublin-based Irish Coast Guard Rescue 116 helicopter was overhead within 25 minutes and the Drogheda Coast Guard Unit was launched. Kofi's body was taken to Our Lady's Hospital in Navan, where a post-mortem was due to be carried out. Local Fine Gael councillor Sharon Tolan, who lives in the area, said a dark cloud is hanging over the community. She said: 'My thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by the tragic accident in Laytown. 'Please think long and hard before posting any commentary on any social media pages.' Independent Meath County Councillor Carol Lennon described the drowning as a 'devastating tragedy' and thanked those involved in the search operation. She said: 'The loss of life in tragic circumstances is devastating, and we want to offer our sincere condolences to the families. 'What started as a great summer's day ended with the loss of a young life.' Tributes poured in yesterday for the popular schoolboy who was described as an all round sports star. Redeemer Celtic in Dundalk placed Kofi's number six shirt in the centre circle of their pitch along with a wreath in tribute to their deceased player.
