Cllr Muir stated “I was recently contacted by constituents concerned about the risk of drowning at Crawfordsburn and Helen’s Bay beaches. The lack of signage and life saving aids at these beaches has been a justifable cause for concern with many people entering the water for a swim when we are lucky enough to experience warm weather.”
“In response to these concerns I contacted Alliance MLA Judith Cochrane who kindly tabled an Assembly Question to the Environment Minister. Minister Attwood’s response details that the RNLI have assessed the risk of drowning at Helen’s Bay and Crawfordsburn Beaches and recommended a series of actions to be implemented such as improved signage and life saving equipment at the mouth of the Crawford’s Burn River.”
“I welcome this commitment to improve swimming safety at these popular beaches and will explore whether similar actions can be taken at other beaches in North Down under the remit of North Down Borough Council. Government does however require the co-operation of the public to ensure swimming safety. Swimmers should always follow the Water Safety Code spotting the dangers, taking safety advice, going together and onlookers ringing 999 when they spot someone in difficulty. Further advice can be sought from the RNLI and ROSPA and should be considered carefully before entering the water”.
ENDS