This Bank Holiday weekend Water Safety Ireland, the Coast Guard, and the RNLI are collectively urging people to stay safe on the water.
The weather has picked up lately, with summer sunshine and warm days coming early, so more people are out enjoying some time on the beach and waterways lately.
The organisations recommend that all boats and watercraft, including kayaks and canoes, be thoroughly inspected and maintained after the winter season.
This includes servicing engines and ensuring all equipment, especially lifejackets, are in good condition.
Linda-Gene Byrne, RNLI Water Safety Lead, says that it is great that so many more people have been enjoying water activities in recent years, but there are serious concerns about safety.
“It’s great to see that water and beach leisure time has increased over the years as people enjoy the water. However, our research shows that 36% of people don’t know what to do if they get into trouble in the water.”
“The RNLI is reminding everyone to remember Float to Live if they find themselves in trouble in water: tilt your head back with ears submerged and try to relax and control your breathing.”
“Use your hands to help you stay afloat and then, once you are through the initial shock, call for help or swim to safety if you can.”
When using a boat or other water vessel:
- always wear a lifejacket and carry reliable communication devices, such as a VHF radio and ideally a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) or Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB), with a mobile phone in a waterproof case as a backup
- inform someone about your planned route and expected return time
For water-based activities:
- always have a means to communicate distress effectively
- check environmental conditions (weather and tides) using available information sources before your trip
- seek help immediately if you see somebody in trouble on the water or along the coast, or think they are in trouble, by using Marine VHF channel 16 or Dialling 112 and asking for the Coast Guard
For swimmers:
- water temperatures remain cold at this time of year, so consider wearing a wetsuit to stay warm
- acclimatise to the water slowly
- wear a bright swimming cap and consider using a tow float to enhance your visibility
- never swim alone and always ensure your activity is monitored by a companion
