Some advice if you're heading to the water
The Easter bank holiday weekend is upon us, and the Coast Guard, RNLI and Water Safety Ireland have issued a joint water safety appeal.
They're asking people to take some basic precautions to stay safe when they visit the coast or participate in water activities, be it coastal or inland.
Water temperatures are still very cold at this time of year and Cold Water Shock can affect everyone.
To avoid this, people should acclimatise to the water slowly to get used to the cold.
The Coast Guard, RNLI and Water Safety Ireland are advising everyone taking to the water to make sure they check in advance how to keep safe.
If heading out on the water or visiting the coast:
- Always check the weather and tides
- Carry a reliable means of raising the alarm (i.e., phone or VHF radio)
- Tell someone where you are going and what time you will be back
- Wear a suitable Personal Flotation Device on the water
- Watch out for incoming tides to avoid getting cut off
If you are swimming:
- Water temperatures are still cold at this time of the year, consider wearing a wetsuit to stay warm
- Acclimatise slowly
- Wear a bright swimming cap and consider a tow float to increase your visibility
- Never swim alone and always ensure that your activity is being monitored by a colleague
Irish Coast Guard Operations Manager Micheál O’Toole said:
‘We extend a special welcome to members of the Ukrainian community, and we are mindful that they may be unfamiliar with Irish tides and local currents. To that end we would encourage the wider public to be mindful of this risk and be alert to people recreating in unsuitable areas, especially in areas that can become isolated with changing tidal conditions.'
