Irish Water Safety Press Release -114 Drowned in 2014, 9 fewer than in 2013, 79% were male; Six were children aged 14 and under…
Just three of the figures included in Irish Water Safety’s Annual Report 2014 are:
- 831 people plucked from drowning by Lifeguards trained and assessed by IWS.
- 400 lost children found wandering near water and reunited with their parents and guardians.
- 113,000 certificates in aquatic skills awarded to children and adults nationwide.
The report by Irish Water Safety of the drowning statistics for 2014 reflects the importance of uninterrupted child supervision and an appeal for people to take training before pursuing aquatic activities. This appeal comes in the wake of 114 drownings last year, 9 fewer than in 2013.
An analysis reveals that –
OVERALL:
114 people drowned in Ireland in 2014. 55 were accidents (77 in 2013), 33 suicides (27 in 2013), 25 undetermined (19 in 2013), 1 homicide. 123 drowned in 2013.
The highest figure recorded in any one year was 235 in 1983, the lowest was 73 in 1936.
GENDER:
Males were particularly at risk, accounting for 79% of drownings (90); 24 females drowned.
Of the 24 females: 50% suicide, 29% accident, 17% undetermined, 4% homicide.
Of the 90 males: 50% accident, 23.5% suicide, 23.5% undetermined.
AGE:
Six children aged 14 and under drowned. Six teenagers drowned (3 accidental, 3 suicide).
23% of all those who drowned were adults aged 50-59. 25% drowned aged 0-29; 55% aged 30-59; 20% aged 60-85.
LOCATION:
Leinster 39%; Munster 33%; Connacht 17%; Ulster (partof) 11%
Dublin had the highest (16); Cork and Limerick had 2nd highest (13 each); Galway had 3rd highest (12).
In County Cork, there were 13 drowning fatalities in 2014, compared to 23 in 2013.
From Lifesaving Sport to Risk Assessments, there’s lots more information on the activities coordinated by volunteers within an organisation that has 3,750 members and is busier than ever! You can find the full details of the report at this link.
Irish Water Safety – making water safety habits part of your lifestyle.
