Letters to the Editor: Ireland needs a dedicated body to police water safety

In light of recent tragic deaths, several readers wrote to us about road safety and water safety too, while others consider issues including the war on Ukraine and street crime in Ireland

'We owe it to those we have lost to bring about change, not just at leadership level, but also in the cultural mindset throughout all sports across Ireland.' File picture: John Hennessy

In light of the recent tragic incident during the Youghal Ironman event, I want to bring your attention to the pressing need for a regulatory body in Ireland that oversees safety within water-related activities, including open water swimming, kayaking etc.

I have been involved in the lifeguarding and swim teaching industry with  Irish Water Safety since the age of 16. I have four years of experience at the University of Limerick’s 50m swimming pool, as well as several years at Tralee Aquadome and Leisureland in Galway.