South Lake Watersports in Craigavon will host a free activity and education day on Saturday 25 July, to raise awareness of water safety and drowning prevention, in support of World Drowning Prevention Day.
With water safety at the heart of the day, attendees will have the opportunity to learn vital lifesaving skills through CPR and the ‘float to live’ technique, gain practical water safety knowledge from frontline emergency services and enjoy the water responsibly with water-based activities in a fun and supportive environment.
Lord Mayor Councillor Mary O’Dowd said: “When it comes to drowning prevention, the greatest opportunity lies in saving lives before danger arises. We want everyone to enjoy the water, but safety must always come first by staying alert, staying safe and learning to float. By working together to prevent drowning, the benefits will ripple outward, creating safer communities and protecting lives.”
The event is organised in partnership with key stakeholder organisations who work together with Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council to keep communities safe, including RNLI, Lough Neagh Search and Rescue, PSNI, NI Ambulance Service, NI Fire & Rescue Service and Sky Watch NI.
An event highlight is the ‘Get Wet Stay Safe’ session delivered by Swim Ulster in partnership with Sport NI, Swim Ireland and South Lake Watersports. This session will cover land-based skills such as dynamic risk assessing, water safety code, cold water shock and practical water-based skills such as float to live, treading water and emergency signalling.
Qualified swimming instructors will also be delivering CPR training, a vital skill that can significantly increase the chances of survival for someone experiencing cardiac arrest.
Other activities include the ice bucket challenge to highlight the shock of cold water, Seahorse Model Boat Club who will be running a ‘Have a Go’ and model boat display, a rope throwing challenge with South Lake Paddlers, Pico sailing boat and canoe demonstrations, paddle pool, hook-a-duck and more.
Find out more at www.getactiveabc.com/floattolive
