Water Safety
From Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media
Published on
Last updated on
Each year, children die in drowning accidents in or near their home. Children are most at risk because they feel that their house is safe but there are many dangers.
Remember drowning can occur in very shallow water, including barrels, ponds, wells or septic tanks.
Know the dangers in your home:
You should also know the dangers around the home:
The Coast Guard has overall responsibility for coordinating Search and Rescue at sea, on Ireland’s coast and on designated inland waterways. The Coast Guard also assists with inland search and rescue and provides a 24/7 service.
Coast Guard services can be contacted
All those planning to go to sea on any craft are urged to carry marine VHF equipment as the primary means of distress and safety communication. Carrying an EPIRB and/or PLB as a backup is strongly advised. Mobile telephones should NOT be considered as a suitable substitute.
Before considering any water-based or coastal activity during the summer months, the Coast Guard recommends that you ‘PAUSE.’
P lan what you are doing, where you are going, what clothing you need, and tell someone where you’re going, with who and when you’ll return
A lways bring a means of communicating in an emergency, enough water and the right equipment. Know how to use your equipment in an emergency and always wear a Personal Flotation Device/Lifejacket when near or on the water.
U se information to check the conditions in advance
S eek help immediately if you or someone you observe is possibly in difficulty by calling 999/112 or using VHF Radio Ch: 16 and asking for the Coast Guard.
E njoy the outdoors safely and act responsibly.
Remember - if in doubt shout.
Know what to do in dangerous situations.
The dangers of cold water immersion
When cold water makes contact with your skin, the cold shock response causes an immediate loss of breathing control, possible dizziness and panic. This dramatically increases the risk of sudden drowning even if the water is calm and you know how to swim. For those who survive this but are unable to get out of the water, progressive body cooling leads to hypothermia and muscle cooling, making swimming more difficult or impossible. Children are at a greater risk than adults because they are smaller.
What to do if you fall in to cold water
Stay calm and relax. Don't waste energy. Float or tread water and if possible get as much of your body out of the water. To lessen heat escape keep your legs together and elbows by your side.
Coastal walks present a high risk of stranding as people may become trapped by the tide. Avoid sandbanks and keep children at a safe distance from the edges of rivers, canals and inland waterways. Water temperatures can be cold, which puts people at risk of cold shock and hypothermia if suddenly immersed. For more information about symptoms, prevention and follow up hypothermia techniques go to www.watersafety.ie
Report missing ringbuoys to your Local Authority or Harbour Master.
Rips are strong currents that start near the shore and rush out seaward, quickly taking you out of your comfort zone, from the shallows to deeper water.
Rip currents are particularly dangerous for weak or non-swimmers. They typically form at low spots or breaks in sandbars, and also near structures like groynes, jetties and piers.
How to identify rip currents
Rip currents are often not readily or easily identifiable to the average beachgoer. Polarized sunglasses make it easier to see the rip currents. Ask a lifeguard for advice.
Remember: Green water is mean; white water is nice.
Tips for surviving a rip current
Water Safety Information is translated into Irish, Belarusian, Chinese, Czech, Latvian, Lithuanian, Polish, Romanian and Slovakian. See watersafety.ie
Bathers should check the EPA’s bathing water website to find out which beaches have safe water quality. The website shares the latest information on over 200 bathing waters sampled by local authorities during the bathing water season, which runs from 1st June to 15th September. Information on weather, tides and amenities are also available.