NEVER EVER DRINK AND DIVE OR SWIM OR SAIL …
New campaign launched by drinkaware.ie and Irish Water Safety highlights dangers of mixing alcohol and water based activities
30 July, 2012 : Ahead of the August Bank Holiday Weekend drinkaware.ie and Irish Water Safety (IWS) have today launched a joint campaign to raise awareness of the dangers of mixing alcohol and water based activities. An average of 140 people are drowning in Ireland every year. Alcohol consumption has been identified as a contributory factor in a number of these cases. The message to the public is NEVER EVER DRINK AND DIVE OR SWIM OR SAIL…..
Handy, credit-card sized information cards are being distributed to locations throughout the country popular for water based activities. The card includes the message ‘Never Ever Drink and Dive or Swim or Sail…’, details what one standard drink* is, reminds people that it takes around one hour for the body to eliminate one standard drink, that nothing speeds this up, and that time is the only cure.
If you are drinking this weekend and intending to take a dip or to go on the water, the message from drinkaware.ie and IWS is to do the maths and not take the risk if you have alcohol in your system. In addition to the information cards being distributed through IWS’ regional committees, a poster communicating the campaign message will be displayed in licensed premises located in popular water areas.
Speaking at the launch Fionnuala Sheehan, drinkaware.ie Chief Executive said, “We are delighted to partner with IWS on this campaign and raise awareness of the dangers of drinking alcohol before getting in or going out on the water. Over the August Bank Holiday Weekend people will, hopefully, be enjoying some sunshine on beaches and near marinas and on lakes across the country. In these scenarios it is easy to let your guard down and forget that you have had a glass of wine at lunch or a few beers in the afternoon. While recent research shows a positive increase from 48% in 2009 to 63% in 2012 in the number of people who know what one standard drink* is, it is important that this message is considered not only when getting behind the wheel to drive a car but also when water based activities are being enjoyed.”
John Leech, CEO, Irish Water Safety said, “With an average of 140 people drowning in Ireland every year, it is important to recognise that alcohol can be a contributing factor to these tragedies. Partnering with drinkaware.ie for this joint campaign will highlight the need for responsibility when drinking alcohol and going onto or into the water. We are delighted to roll out this new water safety campaign nationally, it is a timely launch as the Bank Holiday Weekend approaches and many people will be enjoying themselves and taking to the water.”
*A ‘standard drink’ is a glass of beer/lager/cider (284ml), or a pub measure of spirits (35.5ml), or a small glass of wine (100ml). To find out how many standard drinks are in your favourite tipple log on to www.drinkaware.ie
Key advice from drinkaware.ie & IWS this Bank Holiday Weekend –
· Never ever drink and dive or sail or swim…
· A standard drink is equal to a glass of beer / larger or cider (not a pint), or a small glass of wine or a pub measure of spirits.
· It will take your body roughly one hour to get rid of one standard drink. Nothing speeds this up, time is the only cure.
· Enjoy a safe summer swim at lifeguarded waterways, all of which are listed at www.iws.ie.
· If you are on a boat correctly fitting lifejackets with crotch strap should be worn at all times.
· Do not take part in water sports activities without first taking appropriate instruction.
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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
FIONNUALA SHEEHAN, MEAS / DRINKAWARE.IE TEL. 01 6114811 / 086-8351445
JOHN LEECH IRISH WATER SAFETY TEL. 087 6789600
ROGER SWEENEY IRISH WATER SAFETY TEL. 087 6789601
About drinkaware.ie
The drinkaware.ie responsible drinking programme was developed in 2006 by MEAS (Mature Enjoyment of Alcohol in Ireland Limited), a registered charity. MEAS was established in 2002 by the alcohol manufacturers, distributors and licensed trade associations in Ireland as an independent not for profit company with no commercial purpose.
The drinkaware.ie programme is supported by a commitment from the drinks industry, given in the context of the 2005/2006 Irish Government sponsored social partnership initiative on alcohol.
The aim of the drinkaware.ie programme is to promote responsibility when drinking and to challenge anti-social behaviour related to excessive drinking. It addresses all consumers while specifically targeting 18- to 24-year-olds, with a bulls-eye of 22-year-olds.
A broad range of partners support the programme, including a number of government bodies and agencies, student representative bodies, NGOs, college health services, on-trade retailers, drinks companies, supermarkets and most other off-trade outlets, insurance companies, public transport companies, sports organisations, utility companies, entertainment companies and the media industry.
About Irish Water Safety
IRISH WATER SAFETY is the statutory voluntary body established to promote water safety in Ireland.
IWS volunteers strive to reduce drowning fatalities by increasing water safety awareness and by changing attitudes and behaviours so that our aquatic environments can be enjoyed with confidence and safety. Details of water safety courses are available at www.iws.ie.