WATERWAYS IRELAND GUIDELINES FOR SAFETY ON THE WATER

Waterways Ireland is the navigation authority for over 1000km of inland waterways in Ireland, namely the Shannon-Erne Waterway, the Erne System, the Grand Canal, the Barrow Navigation, the Lower Bann Navigation, the Royal Canal and the Shannon Navigation.

The waterways are enjoyed by many people taking part in a wide variety of activities and water sports. During fine weather and particularly at weekends, there are large numbers of people out on the water. Waterways Ireland would like to encourage responsible use of the waterways for the enjoyment of all users and would like to offer the following advice:

Wearing Lifejackets
Waterways Ireland promotes the wearing of lifejackets by all users on the water. To be effective, lifejackets must be the correct size for the user, properly fastened and serviced according to the manufacturer's recommendations.

For some sports such as jet skiing, water skiing, dinghy sailing, windsurfing and canoeing, specialised personal floatation devices are available.

Wash and Speed Limits
Wash is the turbulent wave of water pushed outwards from every powered boat. This wash can hit other boats with surprising force causing them to roll violently and upset everything on board. Small boats, especially those under oars are particularly susceptible and may even be sunk by it. The effect of a large wash has a diminishing effect on the enjoyment of other users of the waterways.

On the Shannon Navigation, craft must not travel at more than 5km/hr when within 200 metres of a bridge, quay or jetty; when in a harbour or canal; or when passing within 100 metres of a moored craft. On the Shannon-Erne Waterway the general speed limit is 5km/hr. On the Barrow Navigation, the Royal Canal and the Grand Canal, the speed limit is 6km/hr. The Lower Bann Navigation is divided into water sports zones and local conditions of use are displayed at slipways.

On the Erne System, Waterways Ireland has installed speed limit signs in some areas to inform of the potential danger to other users from the wash produced by excessive speed. Whether an area is marked with a speed limit sign or not, users are asked to keep speed to a minimum in town centres, narrow channels, when passing other craft and when passing jetties where boats are moored.

Tip / Good Practice:
Look behind you regularly and check to see if your wash is causing any discomfort for other users and if so, reduce the speed of your vessel until clear of the area.

Sailing Dinghies, Rowing and Canoeing
Motor boats should proceed with caution and slowly past fleets of sailing dinghies. During the summer months there are large numbers of dinghies on the water in Lough Derg, Lough Ree and Lower Lough Erne.

Rowers in training and competing may be expected in the vicinity of Athlone, Limerick, Tullamore, Carrick-on-Shannon, Carlow, Enniskillen and Coleraine. Canoeists may be expected near Kilcock; Tullamore; from Portumna to Athlone; Enniskillen and the Lower Bann. Motor boats are advised to proceed slowly when passing rowers and canoeists.

Alcohol and Boating
Waterways Ireland recommends that no one operates any machinery after drinking alcohol - this includes boats and equipment such as lock gates.

Summer Water Levels
Waterways Ireland issues Marine Notices if water levels fall below normal summer level and accordingly, all boaters should exercise due care and prudence when cruising. The Marine Notices are posted on the Waterways Ireland website and at the relevant locks. In addition, boat owners are free to call the Office of the Inspector of Navigation for advice regarding their own particular craft and the suitability of undertaking a voyage in any stretch of the navigation.

Office of Inspector of Navigation
The Waterways Ireland Inspectorate of Navigation is happy to advise boat users on navigational matters and provide information on boat registration and the bye-laws. The Inspectorate of Navigation can be contacted at +353 90 6494232 (Athlone) or +44 28 66322836 (Enniskillen). Further information is available from the "Safety on the Water" section of the Waterways Ireland website at www.waterwaysireland.org.

- ends -

Ms. Aoife Morrissy, Marketing and Communications, Waterways Ireland, 00 353 71 9650787 or 00 353 87 9918412. Or:
Mr. Martin Dennany, Director of Marketing and Communications,
Waterways Ireland, 00 44 28 66346203.

Date: 09.06.2006
PR06014