Pictured at the launch at the Tralee Bay Wetlands of Amber Thursday were: Mark Brady Station officer Kerry Fire & Rescue Service , Declan Keogh KCC, Road Safety Officer , Sergeant Garda Irene Riordan Community Policing , Niall O’Sullivan Water Safety Ireland . Front Lifeguards from Ballybunion Tomas Argabaraz and Donato Guggiama. Photo By : Domnick Walsh © Eye Focus LTDLOCAL government, emergency services, and water safety authorities have joined forces in Kerry to promote the nationwide ‘Amber Thursday’ initiative which takes place this Thursday with the aim of highlighting the risks and dangers around fire, road and water-based activities over the summer months.
The colour amber signifies a hazard or warning. Ahead of the June Bank Holiday weekend, ‘Amber Thursday’ encourages member of the public to be vigilant and to take care when enjoying the summer season.
The June Bank Holiday weekend sees an increase in people using the roads. In addition to that, many people may also take to the water or have barbeques or campfires while enjoying the extended weekend break.
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James Foley, Acting Senior Assistant Chief Fire Officer with Kerry Fire Service said: “We urge the public to enjoy the good weather responsibly by ensuring barbeques and open fires are fully supervised and completely extinguished after use. Even small fires can spread quickly in dry conditions, putting lives, property and wildlife at risk. Taking simple precautions can help prevent avoidable incidents and reduce unnecessary callouts for emergency services.”
With an increase in activities on our roads, in waters or around fire during the summer months, the Fire Service as well as Kerry County Council and Water Safety Ireland are reminding everyone to think ahead when planning their activities and think about the safety aspects when planning their events.
Kerry County Council’s Road Safety Officer Declan Keogh said: “Driver fatigue, speeding and dangerous behaviour on the road are all contributing factors in the causation of serious or fatal road collisions. Our advice is for motorists to plan and prepare for their journey, take regular rest breaks on long journeys and for the everyone travelling in a vehicle to be wearing a seatbelt. Vulnerable road users must ensure they too are using the roads safely. Sharing the road and being courteous and considerate to others using the road makes all our journeys an enjoyable stress free and safe one.”
Water Safety Officers are urging the public to swim where lifeguards are on duty, to plan ahead for a safe summer by encouraging friends and family to stay away from the water’s edge when walking, to always wear a lifejacket for activities on or near water including angling, to take training courses in advance of any aquatic activity and to always swim within your depth.
During Thursday, 28 May, the agencies will be sharing several public safety messages and advisories with the public along with emergency services and other bodies across the country.
