21st October 2013
By Bryan T. Smyth
news@TheCork.ie
Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) have joined forces with Irish Water Safety (IWS) to launch a coastal safety awareness campaign which will run from 21 October to 3 November 2013.
The campaign consists of a two-week local radio ad campaign that will air on nine local radio stations right around the coast. The ads aim to highlight awareness of wearing a Personal Flotation Device (or PFD) which maximises the chances of surviving an accident in the water.
The radio ads’ broadcast will coincide with the installation of Personal Flotation Device-centred signage which BIM and Irish Water Safety have been locating at piers countrywide.
Commenting on the campaign, Michael Keatinge, Fisheries and Training Director, BIM said:
“BIM are very pleased to have partnered with Irish Water Safety for this campaign. While our remits are different we are united in our agencies’ commitment to ensuring maximum awareness of the importance of wearing the proper safety equipment while engaged in water-based activities. It has been proven time and again that wearing a Personal Flotation Device or life- jacket will maximise your chances of surviving an accident in the water. That’s the key message in our campaign- if you are working in or near water then you must wear your PFD. We would urge all water users to please follow this simple advice from BIM and Irish Water Safety.”
The campaign coincides with the start of BIM’s Enhanced Safety Training Scheme, which is being rolled-out under the Government’s first marine safety strategy for the fishing industry.
Places on BIM Enhanced Safety Training Scheme will be offered to all skippers and crew of Irish registered fishing vessels and aquaculture workboats.
BIM will issue a mail-shot on the Enhanced Safety Scheme to skippers countrywide.