Fishermen in Kerry avail of free water safety courses and swimming lessons.
The fishermen are learning to swim and being given water safety instruction by the Irish Water Safety Association.
Over the last few months thirty five fishermen from Valentia and Caherciveen and forty from the Dingle area have been attending swimming lessons at Tralee Sports Centre.
This is part of a campaign launched last year by The Irish Water Safety Association designed to help fishermen survive accidents at sea. Some of the men who took part then have returned for a refresher course and others have received lifesaving certificates.
Fishermen in the north west are also benefiting from swimming lessons being rolled out by the Irish Water Safety Association there, and in order to ensure maximum attendance,
Bord Iascaigh Mhara pays for the transport of the fishermen to and from the classes.
Des Lavelle demonstrates how a boot can be used as a flotation device in an emergency.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 18 January 1978. The reporter is Dermot Mullane.
