Beach safety should be reviewed following tragic Portrush drowning - Boyle

9.36.29am UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 18th Jul 2006

Boyle calls for review of beach safety

Alliance Party Chair and Coleraine representative, Yvonne Boyle, has called for a review of safety mechanisms on Northern Irish beaches after a 15 year old boy tragically drowned at Whiterocks beach near Portrush.

Yvonne Boyle said: "I was shocked and saddened to hear that a 15 year old boy had drowned at Whiterocks beach.

"I extend my sympathy to the family of the boy and hope that the man who went to his assistance, who is now in Coleraine Hospital, makes a full recovery.

"I call for a review of safety procedures for beaches, to try to ensure that future tragedies similar to this are prevented.

"People need to be very careful if they intend to swim in the sea, and I would ask that they use only designated beaches, where lifeguards are on duty."

ENDS