A SAFETY review of diving boards in Kilkee, Co Clare, has found they are “fit for purpose” and recommended that signs be erected saying anyone diving from the boards does so “at their own risk”.
The diving boards at Newfoundout were removed last month by Kilkee Town Council on public safety grounds and then had to be reinstated temporarily so an assessment could be carried out by the Irish Water Safety Association.
In its report to the council, the association said the diving boards had been provided for public use for many decades and were “fit for purpose”. It recommended a handrail be put from the upper board to the lower board.
It also recommended that “No Diving” and “No Swimming” signs at Newfoundout should be replaced by new signage indicating that there was no lifeguard on duty and advising swimmers to “dive only when water is at a suitable level”.
The report said ladders giving access to the diving boards should be left in place, regularly inspected and maintained.
The only material change recommended was that sharp edges on top of the ladders be replaced by safe ones.
Nora Kaye, Kilkee’s acting town manager, has told councillors that Clare Co Council “is at present progressing a number of recommendations, particularly those relating to the diving boards and ladders at Newfoundout”.
She noted that the review had classified the diving risk as “substantial” and said the council “should satisfy themselves that the relevant aspects of health and safety legislation are complied with” and that “appropriate insurance cover is in place”.
Last week, she confirmed to The Irish Timesthat neither the county council nor Kilkee Town Council were aware of any deaths or injuries associated with the diving boards. Records also showed that there had been no compensation claims for any accidents.
