An extremely informative and enjoyable session was delivered this morning by Rosie O’Regan from Water Safety Ireland. Rosie highlighted the importance of water safety both inside and outside the home, with a particular focus on our local area and the waterways we use most often.
During the talk, students learned how water safety begins at home. Rosie explained the hidden dangers around the house, including baths, paddling pools, buckets, and garden ponds, and stressed the importance of always having adult supervision around any water, no matter how shallow. She reminded pupils never to play near water without permission and to always let an adult know where they are going.
The session also covered outdoor water safety in rivers, lakes, beaches, and swimming pools. Students were taught how to recognise warning signs, flags, and changing water conditions, as well as the dangers of cold water shock and strong currents. Rosie encouraged everyone to always swim in designated areas with lifeguards present and never to enter the water alone.
A key part of the visit focused on what to do in an emergency. Pupils were shown how to safely use a lifebuoy and other reach-and-throw rescue aids without putting themselves in danger. Rosie demonstrated how to call for help, who to contact in an emergency, and how to clearly describe a location.
Students also learned practical self-help skills, including how to stay calm if they fall into water unexpectedly. They practised the importance of the “Float to Live” technique — lying on your back, spreading your arms and legs, controlling your breathing, and staying afloat until help arrives or you can safely make your way to the edge. The message was clear: don’t panic, float first, then plan your next move.
The session was interactive and engaging, and our students came away with valuable, potentially life-saving knowledge. We sincerely thank Rosie and Water Safety Ireland for sharing their expertise and helping our school community stay safer around water.
