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Fenit RNLI volunteers Cian Lawless and Jackie Murphy pictured with RNLI volunteer Kieran Caufield from Killarney in the middle at Croke Park on Sunday.
RNLI representatives from Kerry took to the pitch during last Sunday’s All-Ireland senior hurling championship semi-final at Croke Park, to promote the charity’s water safety partnership with the GAA.
Before the throw-in at the Clare and Kilkenny decider and in front of thousands gathered at the stadium, RNLI volunteers dressed in their full lifeboat kit, unfurled a giant flag showing an all-weather lifeboat in action.
A second group of RNLI crew wearing county jerseys unfurled a flag with a water safety message, calling on everyone to Float to Live. Among the Kerry RNLI crew were Kieran Caufield from Killarney and Jackie Murphy and Cian Lawless from Fenit RNLI.
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Six years on, the RNLI and GAA water safety partnership serves to raise awareness of drowning prevention and to educate communities on how to stay safe in and around the water.
The partnership is part of the GAA Healthy Clubs’ programme and has seen RNLI lifeboat crew visiting GAA clubs around Ireland to deliver water safety talks to all age groups.
RNLI volunteers on the field on Sunday. Photo: Sportsfile
Speaking about the event in Croke Park, Cian Lawless, Fenit RNLI volunteer said: ‘This partnership highlights the shared values between ourselves in the RNLI and the GAA, notably volunteerism and the importance of communities. It was a privilege for our crew here in Kerry to be invited to Croke Park on such a big day in the GAA’s championship calendar and to have the opportunity to promote a key drowning prevention message, float to live.
Volunteer Lifeboat crew from around Ireland promote the RNLI’s drowning prevention partnership with the GAA on the pitch at the All-Ireland Senior Hurling semi-final in Croke Park, Dublin. The charity is sharing water safety advice with clubs and supporters throughout the country. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile
“If you find yourself struggling in the water unexpectedly, your instinct will tell you to swim hard. But cold water shock could make you gasp uncontrollably. Then you could breathe in water and drown. Instead, we want you to float to live. Tilt your head back with ears submerged, Relax and try to breathe normally. Move your hands to help you stay afloat. It’s ok if your legs sink. Spread your arms and legs to improve stability,” said Cian.
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