water safety

SWIMMING and having fun in water is one of life's joys – but it can also be an essential lifesaving skill, especially as drowning is one of the most common causes of accidental death in children.

IN JANUARY 2004 a 14-year-old boy went to the pier in Killough. Within a very short period of time he had been washed out to sea and died within sight of a multitude of people who were helpless to save him.

AN innovative new lifebelt system has been developed on Derry's River Foyle and Strabane's River Mourne to enhance water safety.

THE recent spell of good weather has had many of us clamouring for the nearest beach, lake or garden paddling pool.