Ocean Safety Awareness Day
Ocean Safety and Awareness Day - Programme of Events
National Surf Centre, Strandhill - 26th July 2024
Sligo County Council, in collaboration with the National Surf Centre, Water Safety and Emergency Rescue agencies/clubs, invites the public to join us for a day of fun, learning, and safety at the National Surf Centre in Strandhill on Friday, 26th July.
The day will feature a series of informative lectures by the Irish Coast Guard, Irish Tow Surf Rescue, Sligo Leitrim Mountain Rescue, and the Sligo Surf Life Saving Club. Witness live demonstrations by the Strandhill Community First Responders and Sligo Surf Life Saving Club, and learn essential water safety tips and techniques at the RNLI information stand.
Furthermore, the event will highlight the importance of protecting our shores and seas, with information stands hosted by Martina Butler and the Sea Collective. Show your love for the coastline by taking part in a Clean Coasts beach cleanup activity. Plus, there will be marine-themed face-painting for children. See you there!
Water Safety Lecture Series
| Time | Name of Lecture | Organised by |
|---|---|---|
| 12.30 | Recognising Drowning followed by: Board Rescue Techniques (Workshop on the water) |
Irish Tow Surf Rescue Club |
| 15.30 | On Scene Communication (Family friendly workshop) |
Irish Coast Guard |
| 16:15 | Principles of and Dealing with Hypothermia | Sligo Leitrim Mountain Rescue |
| 17:00 | Guide to Open water Safety and identification of dangers | Sligo Surf Life Saving Club |
| 17:45 | Fundamentals of Rescue and Recovery/ Working with Helicopters | Irish Coast Guard |
Information Stand / Demonstrations
Engagement/demonstrations by:
- RNLI
- Coastguard
- Sligo Leitrim Mountain Rescue
- Garda Community Relations Section
- Strandhill Community First Responders
Ocean Appreciation / Family Fun Activities
12:00 – 16:00 - Events happening simultaneously
- Ocean themed Face Painting
- Heritage in Schools expert, Martina Butler, will showcase the diversity of the seashore, including seaweed, shellfish, and invertebrates, as well as marram grass, and offer insights into coastal biodiversity and habitats.
- The Sea Collective will exhibit a display of curios and items found on the coast and in the water. There will also be hands-on experiments for children centred around plastics and microplastics.
- Clean Coasts ‘Think Before You Flush’ information stand.
- Beach Clean with Clean Coasts. Meet at the National Surf Centre at 14:00 for briefing / litter picking equipment.
- Observe Mark Capilitan creating sand art on the beach at 14:00.
