As this Bank Holiday weekend promises to be a sunny one, the Coast Guard, RNLI and Water Safety Ireland are appealing for people to stay safe on the water.
The Coast Guard, RNLI and Water Safety Ireland advise to always carry a means of calling for help and to keep it within reach at all times.
When kayaking or paddle-boarding close to shore, conditions can turn quickly and wearing a buoyancy aid or lifejacket can make the critical difference.
If you unexpectedly find yourself in the water and wearing a lifejacket, you have given yourself vital time to be brought to safety.
While the good weather is set to continue, always check the forecast, tide times and sea conditions before setting off.
Get regular updates if planning to be out for any length of time. And be prepared to change your plans or cancel the trip if the forecast is unfavourable.
For those swimming, remember to acclimatise slowly, wear a bright swimming cap and consider a tow float to increase visibility.
Never swim alone and always ensure that your activity is being monitored by a colleague. Swim in areas that are lifeguarded or are known locally to be safe.
RNLI Water Safety Lead Linda-Gene Byrne said, “The fine weather and brighter evenings will encourage more people onto the water and it’s great to see people out and about and enjoying it.”
“If you fall in unexpectedly, remember to ‘Float to Live’ – lie on your back and spread your arms and legs, gently moving them to keep afloat. Keep floating until you feel your breath coming back before calling for help or swimming ashore if nearby.”
“Taking a few minutes to check you have taken all the necessary equipment and advice for your activity and knowing what to do in an emergency will give peace of mind and help prevent accidents.”
Water Safety Ireland’s Deputy CEO Roger Sweeney added, “This weekend, please remember that although air temperatures have risen, our waterways are still too cold for extended swims.”
“A full moon on Saturday will make the coastline more precarious and rip currents will be stronger.”
He urged people to stay at waterways that match their swimming capabilities, and to keep to lifeguarded areas listed at www.watersafety.ie/lifeguards.
The Coast Guard, RNLI and Water Safety Ireland also wish to express their condolences to the families and friends of the two young men who lost their lives in jet ski accidents on Carlingford Lough and on Lough Derg.
If you see somebody in trouble on the water or along the coast, or you think that they are in trouble, dial 112 or use marine VHF radio Channel 16 and ask for the Coast Guard.
