8. Beach safety

Laytown, Bettystown and Mornington Beach Management Plan and Natura Impact Statement (NIS)
Closed27 Aug, 2018, 3:30pm - 12 Oct, 2018, 11:59pm

8.1 Main Hazards

Although Laytown, Bettystown and Mornington Beach is relatively safe, incidents do occur as a result of the public use of the sea and adjoining area. Experience has shown that there are four main categories of hazards at the Beach and these are as follows:

  • Vehicles on the beach
  • The wind and its effect on both the sea and on inflatables
  • The sea at low tide and the distance from the Life Guards
  • The use of personal watercraft amongst bathers

8.2 Lifeguards – Risk Assessment for Monitoring and Patrolling of the Beach

A comprehensive Risk Assessment for monitoring and patrolling exists for Bettystown Beach. This covers the following topics:

  • Working in Changing Environments
  • Adverse Weather Conditions
  • Raising and Lowering Flags
  • Contact with jet skis, leisure craft, surfboards
  • Violence and Aggression
  • Jellyfish / Weaver Fish
  • Presence of Animals
  • Manual Handling / People Handling
  • Expose to plants / insects
  • Biological hazards

8.3 Emergency Action Plan4

The lifeguard service has a detailed Emergency Action Plan. This EAP covers procedures should either a minor or major incident occur.

8.4 Accidents – First Aid

Beach Warden and Lifeguards will be trained in First Aid. First aid packs are available at lifeguard station when in operation. The Beach Wardens have a first aid box in their vehicle; however this is mainly for employee use.

8.5 Lost Children

When the beach is busy during the main bathing season young children may stray away from their parents. The beach warden / lifeguard will assist in the search for the lost child. If a child should become lost when the beach warden / lifeguarding service is not in operation the emergency services should be contacted.

8.6 Lost Possessions

If the Beach Warden or MCC staff member is approached by a member of the public advising they have lost such items as wallets / car keys, they may be able to assist in a search. Members of the public are able to leave their details with the Beach Wardens / MCC official so that an item may be forwarded on if found.

The Beach Manager retains all lost property found on the beach and handed in, and logs valuable items. These are then passed to the Gardai at the end of each work day.

Footnote

 
 

4 The need for an EAP has been brought to the attention of MCC. This will be prepared by MCC.

 

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