Council and Policing Community Safety Partnership to host open water swimming safety courses

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council (FODC) in partnership with Fermanagh Omagh Policing Community Safety Partnership (PCSP) and Swim Ulster is organising several open water swimming safety courses across the district throughout May 2022 aimed at young people and adults with little or no experience in open water swimming and also for and more experienced swimmers.

The courses will focus upon a wide range of aspects including, acclimatisation, flotation, and rotation, moving through the water, technique, and sighting.

Participants registering to attend their course of choice will attend two one – hour coached slots across two evenings following an initial Zoom session prior to attending the course.

Participants attending the courses who have not attended any of the previously organised open water swimming safety courses will be issued with a tow float.

Speaking about the forthcoming Open Water Swimming Safety course programme, Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor Errol Thompson said;

“Fermanagh and Omagh District Council is committed to working in partnership with other stakeholders to make the district a great place to live, work, visit and invest in and at the same time improving the quality of life of all the residents of the district.

The district has a network of lakes and waterways which are attractive to open water swimmers but each location poses its own set of challenges and it is incumbent upon us to provide the tools to ensure that they can be used safely.  It is important that those contemplating going open water swimming should avail of the opportunity to expand their knowledge and understanding of open water swimming to familiarise themselves with measures to ensure their safety.

Two similar events hosted at Muckross, Kesh, last year, attracted an excellent response and demand far outweighed the number of places available so I would encourage those interested in attending one of the courses to book their place as soon as possible.”

Chairperson of the Fermanagh and Omagh Policing and Community Safety Partnership, Councillor Keith Elliott said;

“Following the success of the open water swimming courses earlier this year we are delighted to work with colleagues in the Council and Swim Ulster to offer courses in different locations across the district. Open water swimming continues to be a popular recreation activity and it is important that swimmers are equipped with the skills to participate in this activity safely”.

Ruth McQuillan, Swim Ulster Club and Workforce Development Officer said;

“Swim Ulster is delighted to be working with Fermanagh and Omagh District Council to deliver Open Water Swimming Safety Courses. These courses will greatly benefit anyone who is interested in open water activities and will help people to think “Safety First” when going swimming or taking part in any activity on the water”.

Courses cost £10.00 per person which has been subsidised by FODC and PCSP. Course places are limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.

To book a place on an open water swimming safety course,  please click on this link. for further information on the programme please, contact Chris Elliott by email at chris.elliott@fermanaghomagh.com