People swimming off Clare coast urged to be careful over Bank Holiday weekend

AN APPEAL has been made for people to stay safe around the water this May Bank Holiday weekend.

The Irish Coast Guard, Royal National Lifeboat Institute (RNLI) and Water Safety Ireland have come together to issue a joint statement urging people to take precautions to ensure their safety.

The three groups acknowledged that a the weather improves, more people will participate in coastal and water-based activities. The three organisations say that while these activities are enjoyable, they should be properly planned.

They are appealing to the public to stay away from waterways if alcohol has been consumed.

"It is important to be summer ready and ensure that boats and other water vessels, including kayaks and canoes, are checked after the winter, to ensure that everything is in good working order and that engines have been serviced, with all equipment, particularly lifejackets, in good condition," the group stated.

If out on a boat or other water vessel, people are being asked to wear a lifejacket, carry a reliable means of communication - for example a Personal Locator Beacon and a mobile telephone.

"Ensure that you tell someone where you are going and when you plan to be back," they added.

Micheál O’Toole from the Coast Guard is reminding everyone of the need to check the weather and tides before heading out on the water or visiting the coast.

"We would advise people that the water is still cold at this time of the year, and cold water shock can affect everyone. We recommend exercising caution if entering the water for the first time this year, to wear brightly coloured swimming caps and use tow floats to improve visibility," he said, "Never ever swim alone and always make sure that your activity is being monitored by a colleague. Things can go very badly wrong in a very short time, so we all need to be aware of potential dangers and be well prepared before engaging in water-based activities."

The Be Summer Ready website at www.gov.ie/summerready provides advice about water safety.

Roger Sweeney, the deputy chief executive of Water Safety Ireland added: "Swimmers should be aware of rip currents which are a leading hazard at our beaches. They are often difficult to spot and can quickly weaken even the strongest swimmers and take them away from shore. Never swim against a rip current. Instead, swim parallel to shore until you escape the narrow current and then swim back to shore at an angle."

And Killian O’Kelly, RNLI's water safety education manager, commented: "If you're going out on the water using a stand-up paddleboard, sit on top kayak, or personal watercraft, it is important to consider the direction of the wind. Offshore winds, i.e., winds blowing out to sea, are not suitable for these activities as they can push you further out to sea. Plan your route considering sheltered locations, wear a personal flotation device and have a suitable means of contact on your person that is easily accessible in any emergency."

If you see somebody in trouble on the water or along the coast, or think they are in difficulty, dial 112 or use VHF radio channel 16 and ask for the Coast Guard. The same advice applies if you are in danger.