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The August Bank Holiday weekend is nearly upon us as members of the public continue to enjoy Ireland's waters and coastal walks. The Irish Coast Guard, RNLI and Water Safety Ireland are appealing for people to take care when they are on or near the water.

Multi-Agency water safety appeal ahead of August Bank Holiday Weekend

In Ireland, an average of ten people drown every month, according to a National Drowning Report issued by Water Safety Ireland. Over the five-year period 2017 to 2021, there have been an average 118 drownings per annum, with males making up 70% of this tragic statistic. In addition, individuals aged between 40 and 69 accounted for more than half of all drownings. So far this year, the Irish Coast Guard have responded to 1,341 incidents alongside the RNLI, lifeguards, and other emergency services.

Minister Lawless joins Irish Coast Guard, Water Safety Ireland and the RNLI in appeal to ‘PAUSE’ on World Drowning Prevention Day

Ahead of the May bank holiday weekend, Water Safety Ireland, the Irish Coast Guard and the RNLI are jointly appealing to people to be safe and summer ready when planning an activity on or near the water.

May Bank Holiday Water Safety Appeal from Water Safety Ireland, Coast Guard and RNLI

The Coast Guard and RNLI have shared the following safety advice for swimmers, highlighting the dangers of swimming alone and the importance of being monitored from the shore.

• Always check the weather forecast and understand the local effects of wind, tides and currents.

• Never swim alone and have somebody ashore who is familiar with your plans and ideally can observe your progress.

• Only swim in sheltered areas with which you are familiar and swim parallel to the shore.

• Ensure that you are visible from the shore. Wear a brightly coloured swim cap or use a tow float to increase your visibility in the water.

• Wearing a wetsuit is advisable to help stay warm.

• Slowly acclimatise to cold water to reduce the risk of cold water shock.

• Get warmed up afterwards. Wrap up well in extra layers of clothing

• If in doubt, don’t go out!

• Tell someone else where you’re going and when you are due back.

The government today launched its ‘Be Summer Ready’ 2023 campaign with the message: “Think Water Safety - Plan and Prepare.” This campaign provides advice across a wide range of topics on staying safe this summer.

Be Summer Ready

Bank Holiday Water Safety Alert - Minimize the risks with advice from Coast Guard, Water Safety Ireland & RNLI

Easter weekend prompts joint water safety appeal from the Coast Guard, RNLI and Water Safety Ireland

Launch of the government’s Be Summer Ready information campaign

May Bank Holiday water safety appeal from the Coast Guard, RNLI and Water Safety Ireland

August Bank Holiday Appeal

Irish Coast Guard and RNLI issue water safety appeal to public for Christmas and New Year

RNLI and Irish Coast Guard urges people not to use the sea for exercise or recreation

Minister Naughton Launches Safety on the Water website

You can find all the Safety On The Water Booklets here.

Marine Notices are information notices issued by the department to publicise important safety, regulatory and other information relating to the maritime sector in Ireland.

You can find marine notices sorted by year here.

The Marine Casualty Investigation Board (MCIB) examines, and if necessary, carries out investigations into all types of marine casualties to, or on board, Irish registered vessels worldwide and other vessels in Irish territorial waters and inland waterways.

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