Through education and training, promote a stronger safety culture, attitude and behaviour for people on, in or near water. We strive to reduce drowning fatalities by increasing water safety awareness so that our aquatic environments can be enjoyed with confi dence and safety. [See also, drowning statistics - 'Alcohol is a factor in one third of drownings']

P.53 The Western Region Drug and Alcohol Task Force:

Neil Wilson Supported by the NUIG Skills for Business Team (Staff : Michael Campion, Fiona Durnin; Students: Andrew Guckian, Conor Malone, Sean McGuinness, Stephen McDermott)

• There are a large number of students in Galway, and socialising often takes place near a waterway which can be fast-flowing in winter, and where there have been a number of fatalities. The “Galway Safe App” has been devised by the Western Region Drug and Alcohol Task Force and uses GPS technology to offer support to students detected lingering in particular waterside areas of Galway city late at night or early in the morning. Water Safety Ireland was delighted to support elements of the project and it is our hope that the app will help to reduce the number of fatalities by drowning.
• The Skills for Business Community Partner programme is a module taken by students of the J.E. Cairnes School of Business and Economics at NUI, Galway. The programme integrates meaningful community engagement to enrich the student’s learning experience and strengthen community links. The students raised awareness of App among the student population in Galway. We are delighted to have worked with the students the Western Region Drug & Alcohol Task Force and thank them sincerely for helping us to deliver a message that will hopefully lead to a reduction in aquatic incidents among the student population. 

Health Research Board – Michael O’Sullivan

This award acknowledges the extensive work undertaken by Michael to reveal a link between alcohol and drugs and drownings. Michael is currently a Trinity College Dublin research fellow working at the Health Research Board on a series of projects. Most recently he has been analysing data from the HRB’s National Drug-Related Deaths Index (NDRDI), looking specifically at the role of alcohol and drugs in drowning deaths.  This is the first time this type of analysis has been done. It will provide essential evidence to inform public health and prevention measures in the area of drowning’ and for this we are very grateful. 

P.59 Analysis of drownings 2018:

A synopsis of some general contributory factors over the years:

1. Poor or inadequate equipment (e.g. boats or lifejackets);
2. Not wearing a correctly fitting lifejacket;
3. Alcohol consumption;
4. Falling unexpectedly into water…..