AS THE Volvo Ocean Race Galway stopover attracts record attendances, Irish Water Safety has issued a reminder about taking risks on water.
Irish Water Safety (IWS) chief executive Lieut-Cdr John Leech has issued an appeal for vigilance, and says he is “disappointed” that some people failed to take basic precautions. “The majority of people were wearing personal flotation devices during the Volvo fleet racing in Galway Bay, but some people were not – and were not even ensuring their children were compliant with the law,” Lieut Cdr Leech said yesterday.
Boat speed and etiquette was also an issue, although one of the closest reported encounters occurred when Irish-Chinese entry Green Dragon narrowly missed two craft, during a race start.
Flotation devices must be worn by all children and all people on board craft of less than seven metres (23ft) in length.