ATTENTION ALL MEMBERS

Ireland has now moved nationally to Level 5 of Covid-19 restrictions in the Government’s Resilience and Recovery Plan 2020 – 2021.

UPDATE REGARDING ESSENTIAL WATER SAFETY CLASSES AND SERVICES

Following consultation with An Garda Síochána, Water Safety Ireland wishes to inform all members of the Water Safety services currently deemed essential under public health legislation.

WSI personnel may revalidate and train up new Beach & River lifeguards, which will enable our organisation to have sufficient lifeguards for Local Authorities to employ and deploy on our beaches, rivers and lakes for the 2021 bathing season. The Gardaí have interpreted the beach and river lifeguard service as an essential service to the state and that these lifeguards are essential workers.

It will be a matter for local Gardaí to investigate any possible breaches under Regulation 11 of SI No: 701 0f 2020. If our classes are not in support of an essential service and the participants are not essential workers, then it is a “training event” and is in breach of Regulation 11 of SI No: 701 0f 2020.

A pool lifeguard is not an essential service at this time and these premises should be closed until restrictions are lifted.

WSI appreciates your understanding and co-operation on this matter.

CLASSES, TRAINING & REVALIDATION

Water Safety classes can take place at Level 1 & Level 2 only, using a similar SOP to the sample SOP from the Technical Committee and following Government guidelines to teach information and procedures in the prevention of drowning.”

Lifeguard training and revalidation should be run at all Levels 1-5 for these essential workers.

See our Returning To Water Safely plan for further details. Pages 10 and 11 provides guidance about Level 3, 4 and 5 of Covid-19 restrictions.