Sir, - I refer to your recent letter, "Surfing at Strandhill" and would like to comment.
The National Safety Council did not decide that swimming and surfing at Strandhill beach "will be prohibited" nor does it have powers to "enforce any ban". The recommendation of the National Safety Council that the beach at Strandhill should not be promoted as a surfing location was taken following a comprehensive on-site assessment by two experienced members of the Council's Rescue Commission. A variety of factors rendered the beach unsuitable for surfing, in particular dangers in entering and exiting the water. The Council report expressly stated that the decision took account of the fact that the surfing fraternity is not restricted to skilled national and international competitors but encompasses surfers of all levels and abilities.
This safety survey undertaken on August 9th/10th 1998 at the request of Sligo County Council highlighted again the recommendation that the beach was not suitable for swimming and that the Local Authority should take the necessary steps consistent with this assessment. A similar recommendation arose on the surveys undertaken every two years approx. since 1992 by the National Safety Council.
People need to know where they can safely enjoy water-based amenities. In implementing recommendations of the National Safety Council for the safety of the general public, local authorities are answering this need. Ultimately it is not by a policy of enforcement that our water safety record will be improved, but by each individual's sense of responsibility in respecting the dangers presented by the sea, river or lake and in conforming to advice, guidelines and notices put in place for their safety by the relevant authorities. In this context the letter writers intention to defy any such recommendations is regrettable. - Yours, etc., P. C. Costello,
Chief Executive, National Safety Council, Northbrook Road, Dublin 6.