Kids’ Own is partnering with the Health and Safety Authority of Ireland (HSA), Kilkenny Education Centre and the Association of Teachers’ Education Centres in Ireland (ATECI) on a book project raising awareness of coastal and ocean safety.

Children from primary schools throughout Ireland took part in an ‘On the Ocean’ competition organised by the HSA, submitting artwork, short stories and poems on a safety theme.  The entries explored coastal life, visiting the ocean, the life and work of fisherman, the work of the Coast Guard, the importance of knowing how to swim, and the use of life jackets and life rings.

The winning students are currently collaborating with artists from Kids’ Own in fishing towns and villages across Ireland to create the book. Representatives from the Royal National Lifeboat Institution(RNLI), the Coast Guard and Fisherman’s Co-op give talks to the children which are followed by brainstorming sessions and creative workshops. The children have the opportunity to work outdoors, creating observational drawings and sketches. Some of the themes we’ve been exploring on our ‘Life at Sea’ workshops include:

• the hard and often dangerous work of fishing
• the work of the Coast Guard and rescue services
• the power and strength of the sea
• safe work practices
• risks that shouldn’t be taken
• the impact of the weather on conditions at sea
• the impact on families and communities of losing people to the sea

The book resulting from the project will be launched in autumn 2014 and distributed to all primary schools and libraries nationwide.

Killybegs, Co. Donegal

Howth, Co. Dublin

Kilmore Quay, Co. Wexford