Structure

---

Management of Irish Water Safety is overseen by nine commissions appointed by the Council:


Finance Commission 2009

Commission Members:
Frank Nolan, Chairperson
Joan Harte, Secretary
David Corcoran
Martina Moloney
Sean Murphy
John Leech

Duties Assigned: All Financial Matters
Staff and HR
Administration, including travel, National and International
Membership all ranks
National Ceremonies and Conferences (with the Promotion Commission)
Internal Audit Committee & Risk Management


Frank Nolan, Chairman and John Leech, CEO are both Exofficio Members of all Commissions.

· Rescue Commission 2009

Commission Members: Martin O’Sullivan, Chairman
Ronnie Horan, Secretary
Captain Liam Kirwan
Colm Dempsey
David Kenneally

Duties Assigned: Blue Flag
Risk Assessments
VAT Inspections
Rescues Inland Waterways
Rescue award and Just In Time award criteria
Community Inshore Rescue Station Training
Rescue Equipment
Signs / ISO (the International Organisation for Standardisation)
ILSE (International LifeSaving Europe)

· Sports Commission 2009

Commission Members: Jim Lawlor, Chairperson
Paul Devins, Secretary
Oisin McGrath
Claire McGrath

Duties Assigned: Organise training courses.
Liaison with the Sports Council.
Liaison with the Federation of Sport.
International and Home Sports Competitions.
Role of Life Saving Clubs.
Appoint Coaches, Referees and Officials.
Drug Control in association with ILS.
Sport Equipment.
International Life Saving Sport & Competitions.


· Lifesaving Commission 2009

Commission Members: Breda Collins, Chairperson
Pat Cummins, Vice-Chairperson
Sharon McKeon
Eileen Kelly

Duties Assigned: Provision of instruction in water safety, rescue, resuscitation and recovery skills
All matters dealing with Lifesaving
Review syllabus for Lifesaving
Resuscitation
Hypothermia
Irish Heart Foundation
Matters dealing with WS Examiners including Conference
White Water Rescue & Flooding

· Lifeguard Commission 2009

Commission Members: Michael Cuddihy, Chairperson
John Considine, Vice-Chairperson
Paul Murphy - Secretary
Anne Ryan

Duties Assigned: Promotion of efficiency and standardisation of the Lifeguard Service
The establishment of national standards for Lifeguards
All matters dealing with Lifeguards (Pool, Beach, River)
Develop standards for Lifeguard accommodation
Develop national standards for all equipment
Investigate and research rescue craft
Train Lifeguards in rescue boating
Health and Safety document appertaining to Lifeguards on beaches
Beach Lifeguards as a declared facility
Water Safety Officers Conference
Development Aid to Poor Federations

· Education Commission 2009

Commission Members: Michael Murphy, Chairperson
Val O’Kelly, Vice-Chairperson
Anna Byrne, Secretary
Fiona Lynch

Duties Assigned: Promotion of measures, including the advancement of education, related to the prevention of accidents
All matters dealing with water safety awareness within the Irish education system
Teacher’s courses
Maintain current Standards of Child Protection
Arrange seminar for Designated Liaison Persons
Ensure that standards in relation to ethical matters are maintained
Liaison with the Department of Education
National Liaison Officer
Address suicides and undetermined drowning issues

· Swimming Commission 2009

Commission Members: Brendan McGrath, Chairperson
James McLoughlin, Vice-Chairperson
Seamus O’Neill, Secretary
Margaret McKay

Duties Assigned: The provision of instruction in Swimming
Promotion of Swimming under Irish Water Safety
Examine swimming syllabus and awards
Agree Pool Safety Guidelines with ILAM in preparation for printing
All matters dealing with Swimming Instructors and Tutors
Matters dealing with Area Water Safety Committees
Have the rule changes accepted by Council implemented
Improving, membership, communication and profiles
Organise Chairpersons meeting
Represent IWS matter within IFSTA
Liaison with Swim Ireland as necessary
White Flag Jury
Swimming Pool Standards excluding Lifeguards

· Promotion Commission 2009

Commission Members:
Kathryn Byrne, Chairperson
Roger Sweeney, Secretary
Michael Gavin
Eddie Hoyne
Donal O’Sullivan

Duties Assigned: Marketing and Promotional Matter as outlined within the Statutory Instrument
Seeking Sponsorship (Commercial and other)
Marketing the Organisation
Standardisation of merchandise
Standardisation and issuing of books, manuals, leaflets and posters from technical sources
Monitor press releases
Exhibitions
Marketing issues;
Liaison with ROSPA and the Marine Safety Working Group
Promotion of a public awareness of water safety
National Ceremonies & Conferences (with the Finance Commission)

· Legal Commission

Commission Members:
John Considine, Chairperson
Carmel O’Toole
Noel Power Jr
Frank Nolan
John Leech

Duties Assigned:
To review and advise on all legal matters pertaining to IWS activities.