Waterford star Dessie Hutchinson teamed up with RNLI at Croke Park on Sunday, July 9, to raise awareness about water safety.
The Ballygunner hurler joined RNLI representatives before the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship semi-final between Kilkenny and Clare to promote the charity’s water safety partnership with the GAA.
GAA RNLI Croke Park
Before the throw-in, a group of RNLI volunteers donning their full lifeboat gear hoisted up a massive flag depicting an all-weather lifeboat in action. A second group of RNLI crew wearing county jerseys unfurled a flag with a water safety message, calling on all in attendance to Float to Live.
The crew took the sacred field at half-time, with interviews conducted between Hutchinson and RNLI Area Lifesaving Manager Lisa Hollingum.
We loved seeing so many people at the @officialgaa cheering on our incredible crew - just look at that enormous flag on the pitch! Getting our lifesaving #FloatToLive message out there is so important - please continue to share it far and wide 💙 https://t.co/1DNeN2b3Bc
— RNLI (@RNLI) July 10, 2023
The safety partnership between the RNLI and GAA is in its sixth year. It serves as awareness of drowning prevention and education for communities on water safety.
The partnership is part of the GAA Healthy Clubs’ programme and has seen RNLI lifeboat crew visiting GAA clubs around Ireland to deliver water safety talks to all age groups.
Commenting on the partnership, Hutchinson said: “Growing up along the coast in Dunmore East, the sea surrounded me, and I have watched over the years as fishermen and visitors use it for both business and leisure.
“It has always been so reassuring for everyone in the community to have a lifeboat station powered by a dedicated team of volunteers who we know in any given moment will drop what they are doing to respond to their pager and go to the aid of someone in need.
“That’s why I am so delighted to see the GAA and RNLI come together in a water safety partnership as our shared values of volunteerism and pride in where we belong can make a real lifesaving difference.”
RNLI GAA Croke Park
Ms Hollingum added: “Our partnership highlights the shared values between ourselves in the RNLI and the GAA, notably volunteerism and the importance of communities.
"It was a privilege for our RNLI crew to be invited to Croke Park on such a big day in the GAA’s championship calendar and to have the opportunity to promote a key drowning prevention message, float to Live.
"If you find yourself struggling in the water unexpectedly, your instinct will tell you to swim hard. But cold water shock could make you gasp uncontrollably. Then you could breathe in water and drown.
"Instead, we want you to float to live. Tilt your head back with ears submerged, Relax and try to breathe normally. Move your hands to help you stay afloat. It’s ok if your legs sink. Spread your arms and legs to improve stability.”
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