MEET THE TEAM
Anna Grant – Education Manager
Anna’s primary focus is to lead and manage the Education Team at Water Safety Ireland, ensuring the successful delivery of our national education programmes. These include PAWS (Primary Aquatics Water Safety), Teach Wise, Get Wise, and Hold Hands, each tailored to engage and educate diverse audiences.
Under Anna’s leadership, the team is dedicated to achieving the education objectives outlined in the Water Safety Ireland Strategic Development Plan. By implementing impactful, evidence-based programmes across the country, we aim to empower stakeholders with the knowledge and skills needed to stay safe around water. Our ultimate goal is to significantly reduce the number of drownings in Ireland, fostering a culture of water safety awareness nationwide.
Ciara Gleeson – Education Development Executive
Ciara works with schools, communities, and agencies to help make water safety part of everyday life. She’s involved in a wide range of programmes, from Hold Hands for young children, to PAWS in primary schools, and Get WISE and Teach WISE, which supports post-primary teachers and students in learning vital water safety skills. Ciara also supports awareness campaigns, and events, while working alongside the incredible volunteers who share the same goal: helping everyone enjoy Ireland’s waterways safely.
Rosie O’Regan – Education Development Officer – West & Northwest (Donegal, Sligo, Mayo, Galway, Roscommon, Leitrim, Clare)
Rosie is passionate about bringing water safety to life for children and communities across the West and North West. With a hands-on and enthusiastic approach, she delivers in person workshops including Hold Hands for young children, PAWS in primary schools, and Teach WISE in post-primary schools. Rosie works directly with local communities, schools, and families to make learning about water safety fun, engaging, and memorable. As part of her role, she also attends events, supports awareness campaigns, and delivers training courses for the public – all with the goal of helping everyone enjoy Ireland’s waterways safely.
Andrew Hayden – Regional Education Officer – West & Southwest(Limerick, Kerry, Cork, Waterford, Wexford, Tipperary)
Andrew is dedicated to helping children and communities across the West and Southwest develop lifelong water safety skills. Living near Lough Derg in Tipperary, Andrew brings local insight and enthusiasm to the role, delivering interactive workshops such as Hold Hands for young children, PAWS in primary schools, and Teach WISE in post-primary schools. By working closely with schools, families, and community groups, Andrew aims to make water safety education practical, enjoyable, and easy to remember. Andrew takes part in community events, contributes to awareness campaigns, and provides training courses to the public – because every safe splash begins with water safety education.
Jamie Farrelly – Regional Educational Officer – Central & Midlands (Cavan, Monaghan, Longford, Offaly, Laois, Westmeath, Carlow, Kilkenny, Louth)
Jamie works with schools and communities across the Midlands to make water safety education accessible and engaging. His background as a lifeguard and swim coach shapes a practical approach, giving children and families the confidence to stay safe around water. He delivers key programmes including Hold Hands, PAWS, and Teach WISE, and supports local groups and events – all with the aim of ensuring Ireland’s waters can be enjoyed safely.
Ellie Palmer – Regional Educational Officer – Greater Dublin Region (Dublin, Wicklow, Kildare, Meath)
Ellie has always had a strong passion for water safety, as a member of Sea Scouts it’s a core issue that plays a huge role in getting people to be able to enjoy one of Ireland’s greatest assets. Ellie delivers a wide range of programmes including Hold Hands for young children, PAWS for primary schools, Teach WISE for secondary schools as well as talks for other community groups. These key programmes help give everyone the skills and confidence they need to enjoy Ireland’s waterways in a safe way. Ellie is passionate about helping people enjoy the water safely and brings that enthusiasm to schools and communities across the Greater Dublin region