RNLI and GAA team up
GAA figures from across the country have given their backing to the RNLI’s summer water safety campaign.
Cork footballer Brian Hurley is among the players who have produced their own home video messages with important water safety advice. The videos are part of the partnership between the RNLI and the GAA to prevent drowning and save lives.
The Castlehaven player is joined by Lyndsey Davey from Dublin, Jackie Tyrrell from Kilkenny, Neil McManus from Antrim, Shauna Healy from Galway and Killian Young from Kerry, as well as GAA commentator Marty Morrissey. Each video features a water safety message and includes the charity’s ‘Float to Live’ message, how to raise the alarm if you see someone in trouble, carrying a means of calling for help, leaving inflatables at home and always telling someone where you are going.
Brian filmed his video beside Union Hall RNLI Lifeboat Station, just yards from his home.
His message advises people to tell others where they are going and when they expect to be back if they are visiting the beach or taking part in a water-based activity. He also tells those going out on a watercraft to always wear a lifejacket.
Commenting on his involvement in the video Brian said: “I am delighted to be involved with the RNLI and the GAA on their life-saving partnership. Growing up beside the sea and across the pier from my local RNLI lifeboat station, I’m all too aware of the attraction and the dangers of the sea. Water safety advice should be foremost in everyone’s mind this summer.
“We have a lovely country and coastline, and we are so lucky to have it but I really hope these videos help spread important water safety advice in our communities and that people enjoy the summer safely. We have already seen a high number of callouts for lifeboat crews in Cork so far this summer and we want everyone to stay safe while they have fun on the water.”
The RNLI and the GAA will be sharing the videos online and hope that people will in turn share them among their own friends and family.
This summer is already looking to be one of the busiest for lifeboat crews and the charity is asking people to be aware of the potential dangers involved in their chosen water activities.
RNLI Head of Water Safety Gareth Morrison said: “In working with well-known people involved with the GAA, we have been able to share life-saving advice with the people we know need to hear it the most. Through this partnership RNLI volunteers have been working with GAA communities locally to share water safety advice.
“Sharing this advice and information during a busy summer could save a life. We are grateful to our ambassadors who made these videos for us and while we haven’t been able to come together, we have still been able to work together to help save lives.”