This article is from page 69 of the 2008-08-05 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 69 JPG
FLAGMOUNT youngsters have been creating a splash for almost 30 years and they are all set to do it again this year.
The annual water safety classes at Flagmount Pier have taught hun- dreds of youngsters to swim over the years and dozens have learned skills that have saved lives.
Local secretary of the Water Safety Association, Kathleen McNamara, said that she herself first took the plunge in the lake.
“It’s where I learned to swim and it’s a great place to learn. People who learn in the lake are stronger swim- mers in the long run, I believe,” said Kathleen.
For two weeks every year instruc- tors give basic swimming lessons as well as taking experienced swim- mers through rescue and life-saving ROA SOLUN Kee
Children as young as five come along to the classes, which are run in half-hour slots every day.
Older people are also welcome and many of Clare’s qualified lifesavers
have got their stripes at the annual Flagmount water safety course.
More than 60 people signed on for last week’s course with instructor, Michael Donnellan and this week, Lorraine Tracey is the woman in charge.
There is a fee, but it is at a reason- able price to encourage as many peo- ple as possible to learn to swim.
‘We want people to be able to enjoy the water safely and the best way for them to do that is to have lessons and advice on staying safe,” said Kath- leen.
“It’s a great thing to have a facility like this in an area. You need these facilities in rural communities,’ said Kathleen.
The classes are open to everyone. Anyone who would like to join can still do so, just turn up at the pier be- fore the 10am off and sign on.