Local Reuses Agencies Deliver Water Safety and Youth Engagement Initiative

On Tuesday 21 June, local agencies came together in Strangford to deliver the Water Safety & Youth Engagement initiative.  This multi-agency approach was aimed at highlighting the dangers associated with water activities and to engage with local young people in one of our coastal villages.

During the event HM Coastguard gave the young people a talk on how to stay safe when taking part in water activities on the Strangford Lough. This was followed by kayaking provided by Clearsky.  The local PSNI Community Engagement Team brought along their new engagement bus to interact with the young people, which includes gaming consoles and a car simulator.  Representatives from the Downpatrick Fire & Rescue Service and the Specialist Rescue Team gave a demonstration on their water rescue capability.

Pictured are representatives from HM Coastguard, PSNI, Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service, Newry, Mourne and Down Police & Community Safety Partnership, the Education Authority and Downpatrick DEA.  Also included are Councillor Oonagh Hanlon, Chairperson Downpatrick DEA Forum (centre) and Councillor Gareth Sharvin, Vice Chairperson of Downpatrick DEA Forum (far right), along with young participants, Rory Morris and Ethan Shields.