Council to host Open Water safety information evening 

3rd June 2021

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Open Water safety event

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council and the Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP) in association with the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), Waterways Ireland, Royal National Lifeboat Institution and Swim Ulster, has organised an Open Water safety information on Wednesday 30 June 2021 at the Bawnacre Centre, Irvinestown from 7pm – 9pm.  

 The information session will focus upon key water safety messages for all navigation users whilst Swim Ulster will also provide information regarding safety for those who are involved within open water swimming.  

Speaking about the forthcoming information session, the Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Cllr Errol Thompson said; 

“Fermanagh and Omagh District Council is delighted to be involved within this multi – agency information evening highlighting the importance of water safety particularly for those who are involved with open water swimming. 

In Lough Erne, the district possesses the third largest lake on the island of Ireland and the largest expanse of water solely within one county. It is a significant part of our natural heritage and attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors annually, many of whom use the wide-open expanse of the lough for boating, swimming or other water based activities. 

However with that comes the responsibility for all users of ensuring that all advice with regard to safety for open water activities is adhered to and the information session will be of great benefit for those who wish to use the open water safely.” 

The Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh Policing and Community Safety Partnership, Councillor John McClaughry, said;  

“The Policing and Community Safety Partnership is delighted to support this safety event for open swimmers. Our waterways are a magnificent recreational resource attracting a variety of users all of whom share the need to use water safely. This event gives important safety advice for open swimmers meeting their specific user needs. The support from organisations Swim Ulster, RNLI, PSNI and Waterways Ireland is invaluable in ensuring that we have a collective approach to promoting safe use of our waterways.” 

Attendance at the information evening is free however places are limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. All participants who register and attend the information session will receive a free tow float and whistle for open water swimming

For further information including registration details please visit www.fermanaghomagh.com or contact Chris Elliott, 0300 303 1777, chris.elliott@fermanaghomagh.com.  You can also register online by clicking on this link.