The Water Safety Association has warned that more people will die in boating tragedies this year because of their careless attitude towards safety.
With the first events of the boating season due to take place this weekend, the Chief Executive of the Government-established Water Safety Association, Lt Cdr John Leech, said that last year's tragedies were horrific, but he was afraid they would be repeated.
Launching a new safety drive at the Boat Show, but said he feared that some of those amongst the attendance, looking at the bright new boats, would die in boating tragedies this year. He said people, particularly those over 40, were careless towards safety and must change their culture.
The call comes as the Government increases the cost of safety equipment. Valued Added Tax on lifejackets, flares and life rafts will go up from 20% to 21% tomorrow.
The Irish Marine Federation has described this as "punitive" and has criticised the Government and the European Union for rating safety equipment as luxury goods.
