ISA Surf Seniors Success in Lifeguarding

Congrats to Tom, KT, Andy, Pete and Rick on successful qualifying as National Beach Lifeguards. It was a great course with a 'serious' input from the lads. This is the first group to achieve the additional specialist module of " SURF LIFEGUARD". It is only right that this recognition should go in the first instance, to them. All are leaders in the surfing scene and in the Irish Surfing Association. Tom is the ISA Senior Coach and also runs his own surf school. He can be contacted in Strandhill, Co. Sligo at his surf shop - 'Perfect Day'. KT or Kevin runs his surf school out of Dungloe, Co. Donegal. It's called Doey Surf School. Andy can be contacted at Irish Surfing Association headquarters in Easkey, Co. Sligo. Pete is the 'main man' at Bundoran Surf Company operating his surf school and running his surf shop. Rick works along with Pete. If you are interested in learning how to surf or about surf them these are the guys. If you have young family wishing to get started surfing then go for it! Here are their their website links -

Check out the web link for details of APPROVED SURF SCHOOLS -

'Irish Surfing Association'

Remember to check out the safety advice specially written for surfers on the ISA website. You can download their safety leaflet.

" In sea or pools - know the rules,

Take Care and Be Aware "

lifeguards

Thanks for a great summer Lads!! JB

Jet-skis for Beach Lifeguards

lifeguards

When I read about jet-skis in the newspapers it always seems to be bad press. Now I read that some Local Authorities are preparing to introduce by-laws to control their use on beaches. Well this makes sense as like many of you I have seen some crazy behavior on beaches where both swimmers and surfers are in the water. Not only can they present a danger to other water users but also to themselves. Accidents also happen, not necessary as a result of bad behavior, and sadly this has resulted in loss of life.

But having said that..... wehat about the positive side. I think that they could be a tremendous asset to Lifeguards. You can get out through the surf breaks with ease and go from point A to B in secs !! One Lifeguard could cover a zone more effectively and speedily. This system works well in Lanzarote. From the employers perspective it could be cost effective as it might mean less Lifeguards!

The introduction of proper training and a licensing system for the individual rider would be a good start. Limiting the age to which one can opertate a ski and enforced control of the 'renting out' of skis could also help.

We are all waiting (patiently!) on the introduction of the 'additional specialist modules' to the beach Lifeguard programme, especially surf rescue and advanced Lifeguard fitness. So come on RLSS - let's have a 'specialist' additional module to the National Beach Lifeguard Qualification to develop the skills of Lifeguards in the use of jet-skis!!.

Litter on Irish Beaches and in our Seas.

I was reading a very interesting article last night - which I suppose shocked me! Not that I am sure that it was 100% correct in the detail but it sure made me think. So let me share some of the points that I picked up on and may'be some learned scientist out in cyberspace could put me right -

It is suggested that plastic is one of the big problems in the oceans of the world. It is so strong and does not break down easily. It's light so it floats and gets caught in boat propellers and nets. It is suggested that over 80% of marine pollution comes from the land.

Leatherback turtles found in Irish waters are known to mistake plastic bags for their favourite food which of course is jellyfish! Once in the animal's stomach the poor turtle slowly dies. Plastic six-pack rings get stuck around the necks of seabirds. So what about bio-degradable plastics? It seems that it needs sunlight to breakdown so when buried in landfills it lasts just as long as other plastics. Over 150 marine species in our waters are known and recorded to have become entangled with plastics.

Another fact to ponder. Is it true that radioactive chemicals in the seas will be there for the tens of thousands of years from now?

Consider what happens to our rubbish when left on our beaches or dumped at sea. This it seems, is how long it takes to breakdown in our waters -

Paper 2-4 months. Cigarette butts 0-12 years. Plastic wrappers and bags 10-20 years. Nylon Fabrics 30-40 years. Tin Cans 80-100 years. Plastic six-packs holders 450 years. Monofilament line and Styrofoam cups etc., non-bio-degradable so it will be there forever!!
It must be just scare tactics? Please someone tell me this cannot be true? If it is then I for one am pleased that the Minister introduced a levy on plastic carrier bags. I do hope that the new waste management programmes being introduced by Government and Local Authorities are supported, implimented and most of all enforced. It makes sewage pollution seem positively harmless!! So all you marine biologists and scientists give me the true facts about our seas and oceans. I like to hear what surfers have to say about pollution on our beaches and in our waters around Ireland. And another thing!! What is the foam that is blown up onto the beaches? Tell me about fertilisers washed into our rivers, streams and seas. What exactly does it do to our environment?? Answers please someone ....?

Race Against Waste : Home

Race Against Waste : Home This is my site of the Day !!! So keep it clean.

A Day at the Seaside 1956

Would you believe ? This is a lot of memories !! Or is it a case of where are they now ?? Those days were really hot and the sun always shone. Honest! Warm Cidona and soggy sandy sandwiches. Clegs or 'pissmires' which brought up the most vicious lump, which you scratched until it bled. Were you brave enough to pick up a jellyfish on the beach? A 6d (penny) ice-cream between two wavers was a real treat but you had to eat it up quickly before it melted. Then you got the dreaded ice-cream headache .... but it was worth it! The sea was so refreshingly cool and we were so brave as we skipped through the foam and ebbing ripples.