Republic of Ireland

In the last 5 years, 277 people have accidentally drowned in Ireland*.

Home to 4,675 miles of coastline, 3,192 rivers and more than 12,000 lakes, in 2022, Ireland’s drowning rate was three-times higher than neighbouring UK, at 10.29 per million of population, compared to 3.37 per million in the UK.

Ireland’s National Drowning Prevention Strategy (2018-2027) states that “through education, training and action, we will foster a culture that encourages safer attitudes and behaviours in all those who live, work and play on or near water in Ireland.”

* Source: Water Safety Ireland 2018-2022.

Education and Awareness

We believe that the key to preventing drowning across Ireland and the UK is to educate people on how they can enjoy water safely; raising awareness about the potential dangers around water and teaching them what to do in an emergency. 

Learn how to keep yourself and your family safe around water


Our Resources

We have produced a range of FREE downloadable activities for schools and youth groups, ranging from classroom-based workshops to outdoor PE and orientation sessions, as well as a host of pool-based resources for leisure centres and swim schools.

Education Resources for Schools

Education Resources for Leisure Centres & Swimming Pools


Campaigns

Club Development Executive operates in ROI, supporting RLSS UK affiliated clubs, running events and campaigns specifically targeted to raising awareness of water safety to local communities.

Find out more about our campaigns and how you can get involved


Teaching water safety and lifesaving skills

We run a wide range of programmes, including those that teach:

  • Children and young people how to self-rescue and respond to an emergency in the water
  • Basic CPR and emergency skills to anyone who cares for a baby, child or adult
  • Swimmers new skills to help them make the transition from pool to pond safely

Find out more about our programmes


Training people to become lifeguards

Do you want to help keep ROI’s beaches and pools safe, whilst establishing a career that provides flexibility, skills progression, and opportunities to work abroad?

Find out more about our range of national qualifications