Accidental and suicidal drownings fell last year, but suicide is still the main cause of death in the water, according to figures published by the Irish Water Safety Association.
A total of 135 people drowned last year, the majority of whom were male, while suicide accounted for 67 of these deaths. This compares to 196 drownings in 1999, of which 114 were classified as suicides. A total of 52 people died accidentally in 2000 when in the water or using water transport or watercraft, compared to 64 in 1999.
The figures were released at Killiney beach, Co Dublin, yesterday when a review of safety on Irish beaches was presented by the IWSA to the Minister of State for the Environment, Mr Dan Wallace. The comprehensive review recommends that local authorities should identify dangerous beaches and should signpost them clearly.
However, it does not advise classifying beaches as "safe". Any beach or bathing place can become dangerous for a time during bad weather, and the competence, fitness and general well-being of people using it will always be a factor.
The local authorities should also draw up safety plans for beaches, and should introduce by-laws for public safety and good management, it says. Not all the coastal county councils have made use of the powers to make such by-laws under the 1994 Local Government Act.
The review was commissioned by the Minister of State for Housing and Urban Renewal, Mr Bobby Molloy, and is directed mainly at local authorities. It says that county councils should not employ lifeguards on dangerous beaches. Where they are employed, they should be qualified and should be provided with standard uniforms and equipment.
The review recommends that the summer period for lifeguards be extended to include June, and should continue into September in fine weather.
It also says that all local authorities should sign an agreement with the Irish Coast Guard, designating the lifeguard service as a "declared facility".
Common signage on dangerous beaches should be introduced, and the use of jet skis and other fast-powered craft should be regulated in line with the initiative taken by the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources, it says. It recommends prosecution, where possible, of people who damage lifesaving equipment.
As a practical measure, the review says local authorities should appoint water safety development officers with proper resources; and it suggests that the IWSA carry out risk assessments on beaches, and convey the findings. Bathing areas in major resorts should be zoned and supervised by lifeguards.
Beach Safety in Ireland by the IWSA. Website: www.iws.ie
