TY students from Gairmscoil MhicDiarmada, Arranmore took part in a five-week sea safety programme that taught them about first aid and personal safety, weather, tides and moon phases and basic marine navigation.
The programme was delivered by Donegal Sports Partnership in conjunction with Ionad an Chrois Bhealaigh, Gairmscoil MhicDiarmada and the RNLI.
It has been described as a hugely beneficial initiative by Donegal Sports Partnership Education and Training Coordinator, Maggie Farrelly.
TY students from Gairmscoil Mhic Diarmada doing some standup paddleboarding
TY students from Gairmscoil Mhic Diarmada getting ready to go kayaking at Aphort Beach
“We were delighted with all aspects of the programme which afforded all students with an opportunity to develop their knowledge and confidence in the water,” Maggie said.
“The programme also afforded the students an opportunity to develop other life skills including, communication, interpersonal, leadership skills and teamwork. They got a chance to put the theory into practice while kayaking, sailing and stand-up paddling boarding.
TY students pictured on their sailing exercise
A picture that paints a thousand words on Arranmore Beach
“We want to extend a massive thanks to the local RNLI crew from the island for giving up their time to take out the RNLI rescue boat, to demonstrate a rescue, and for providing an opportunity for the students to see how it all works.”
Local RNLI crew members from Arranmore RNLI demonstrating a sea rescue for TY students from Gairmscoil Mhic Diarmada.
TY students getting some advice on the pier from RNLI members.
The programme had support from Gairmscoil MhicDiarmada principal Mary Doherty and the TY Coordinator Caroline McAuley, who encouraged and supported the students to participate.
Last week on the island, students from Gairmscoil Mhic Diarmada and SN Árainn Mhór 1 took part in open-water swimming lessons at Leagbarrow Beach.
Children from SN Árainn Mhór 1 doing a cleanup for World Ocean Day
Swimming instruction was provided by Maureen McCoy and Paul McCambridge from Wildswim. The lessons were tailored to meet the needs of all children from all age groups, from those beginning to those that were more advanced.
The children from SN Árainn Mhór 1 also carried out a beach clean-up to mark World Ocean Day. They also drew some ocean creatures on the beach before getting into the sea for their swim.
Children from SN Árainn Mhór 1 get ready to get into the sea for their swim lessons
Adults on the island were also afforded an opportunity to do lessons with Maureen and Paul, which were extremely successful and beneficial to the group.
“Everyone on the island is working together to provide opportunities for all ages to learn how to swim or to enhance current levels and skills, to develop confidence in the water, but above all else to be safe in the water, knowing your own capacities, limitations and never swim alone,” Ms Farrelly said.
Teenage swimmers at Leabgarrow Beach with Mo and Paul from Wildswim
“This programme would not have happened without the support from John McCafferty from CFFAM, Mary Doherty from Gairmscoil Mhic Diarmada and Michelle Coll from SN Árainn Mhór 1.
“They want everyone on the island to be active, to take part in these activities in order to build confidence, gain knowledge, and to instill safety in the water.”