The Irish Coast Guard, Water Safety Ireland & RNLI Issue Joint Water Safety Appeal for St. Patrick’s Day Weekend

As communities across the country prepare to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day weekend, the Irish Coast Guard, Water Safety Ireland, and the RNLI are issuing a joint appeal urging the public to stay safe in, on, and near the water.

Recent national data shows that 65% of accidental drownings were preceded by land‑based activities, including walking, angling, and hiking. With increased footfall around coasts, rivers, and lakes during the bank holiday, all three organisations are asking people to keep water safety at the forefront of their plans.

With many parades, events, and increased traffic around coastal roads, harbours, riversides, and canals, the organisations are also issuing specific safety guidance for motorists: The recommendation is to avoid parking too close to water tides can rise quickly and storm surges or wakes from passing vessels may flood areas unexpectedly.

Key Water Safety Advice for the Weekend

• Never mix alcohol with water activities, or when walking near water.
• Check weather conditions and tide times before heading out. Sudden changes and high tides can create hazardous conditions and may leave walkers stranded.
• Carry a reliable means of communication, such as a fully charged mobile phone, VHF radio, or Personal Locator Beacon (PLB).
• Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return.
• Wear a suitable Personal Flotation Device (PFD) for any water based activity, including shoreline angling.
• Stay well back from edges during cliff and coastal walks and be mindful of erosion or storm related changes to paths.

If you see somebody in trouble on the water or along the coast or think that they are in trouble, use Marine VHF Ch 16 or dial 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.