Anne Rabbitte (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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957. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the stage at which persons working in water sports can recommence work; if consideration has been given to persons that teach water sports with regard to the easing of restrictions for outdoor workers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5889/20]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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The stage at which persons working in water sports can recommence work is dependent on the specific characteristics of the water sport concerned, for example whether it occurs indoors or outdoors, as these determine the applicable phase of the Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business.

Phase 1 of the Roadmap, which commenced on 18 May, permits certain outdoor sports and physical activates in groups of no more than 4 people, all of whom may not travel further than 5km from their homes, and where social distancing can be maintained. Angling, open water swimming, sailing, rowing and canoeing are included in this category and can recommence in accordance with the prevailing restrictions with effect from the 18th of May.

Anne Rabbitte (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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958. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if persons that teach water sports have been considered with regard to the easing of restrictions for those that work outdoors; the stage at which those working in water sports can commence work again; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5890/20]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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The stage at which those working in water sports can commence work again is dependent on the specific characteristics of the water sport concerned, for example whether it occurs indoors or outdoors, as these determine the applicable phase of the Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business.

Phase 1 of the Roadmap, which commenced on 18 May, permits certain outdoor sports and physical activities in groups of no more than 4 people, all of whom may not travel further than 5km from their homes, and where social distancing can be maintained. Angling, open water swimming, sailing, rowing and canoeing are included in this category and can recommence in accordance with the prevailing restrictions with effect from the 18th of May.

Other water sports are scheduled to recommence in accordance with the phasing laid down in the Roadmap, subject to the prevailing public health advice at that time.

Although I have no specific function to exercise in relation to water safety, I would emphasise the importance of members of the public exercising caution if engaged in water sports such as open water swimming for example. Lifeguards may not be present on beaches to the same extent as in ordinary circumstances, and many swimming spots may in fact be closed off to prevent gatherings.