Minister Naughton issues Water Safety appeal in wake of seven water tragedies in 7 days

In the lead up to the August Bank Holiday weekend Minister of State in the Department of Transport, Hildegarde Naughton TD, has issued an appeal to anybody engaging in coastal or water-based activity to be attentive to their personal safety and adhere to basic safety measures. Members of the public are advised never to bring flotation devices onto the water. The combination of exceptionally good weather and restrictions on other recreational activities has seen an extraordinarily high level of participation in coastal and water-based activities. More and more people are appreciating the wonderful recreational opportunities that we have on our coast and inland waterways and that is to be encouraged and welcomed.

The August Bank Holiday weekend is by tradition the peak holiday period, and with many people holidaying at home this summer we will likely see even greater numbers availing of coastal and water-based activities. Today’s water safety appeal is being made by Minister Naughton, alongside staff and volunteers of the Irish Coast Guard and the RNLI, in the wake of seven water tragedies in 7 days.

Minister Naughton said “Tragically, last week we saw a total of seven drownings on the island of Ireland in seven days, the majority of which were on inland waterways. I would like to offer my sincere condolences to the loved ones of those we have lost at sea on their heart-breaking and untimely loss. This loss of lives in as many days provides a stark reminder to us all as to how quickly serious accidents can happen. This Bank Holiday weekend we can all make personal decisions which will go a long way towards staying safe in the water, such as ensuring that swimmers are accompanied, not using infl letting friends or family know your planned return time.”

The Marine Safety Communications group which is coordinated by the Department of Transport has identified three key safety areas:

1. Inflatable toys should never be used on the beach or inland waterways

2. Swimmers should always ensure that they are accompanied or that their activity is being monitored by a colleague ashore. Open water swimmers / longer distance swimmers should wear a high visibility swim cap and use a Tow Float to ensure that they are visible at all times. Only swim in lifeguarded beaches or on beaches that are in regular use, be alert to local safety warnings and always ensure that somebody is aware of your planned return time.

3. Users of Jet Skis are asked to be mindful of swimmers by avoiding swimming areas and by observing local bye laws.

The Coast Guard has seen a major growth in demand for assistance this year and to date has coordinated responses to a total of 1763 incidents, an increase of 400 for the same period last year and 150 more than any year over the last five.

Minister Naughton reminded anybody engaged in outdoor activities to always check the weather forecast and tide times and local conditions. In addition to familiarising ourselves with tides we should also be mindful of the risk posed by local currents and in particular rip currents. Rip currents most typically form at low spots or breaks in sandbars, and near structures such as jetties, piers and the speeds under certain tide and beach profiles can quickly increase to become dangerous to anyone entering the water.

The Minister also appealed to coastal walkers to avoid any areas with which they are not familiar and stay away from coastal and cliff edges. It is important to dress appropriately for the conditions, to wear a high-factor sunscreen, carry a fully charged water protected mobile phone and to bring enough food and water for the planned trip.

Minister Naughton continued “I recently attended a meeting of the Search and Rescue Stakeholders Forum where I saw constructive engagement between the Maritime community, SAR Coordinators and SAR providers I want to thank all those at the frontline of Search and Rescue in particular the three Coast Guard Coordination centres at Maline, Valentia and MRCC Dublin, Coast Guard and RNLI Volunteers, Coast Guard Helicopter crews and Community Inshore Rescue crews, as well as support provided by Navy and Air Corps resources.”

Minister Naughton concluded by encouraging everybody to attend to their personal safety stating “Remember, Water Will Win if we do not observe basic water safety measures”.

This week, as always, the full range of Search and Rescue (SAR) services will be available and can be reached by calling 112 or on Marine VHF radio. Visit www.Safetyonthewater.gov.ie for more information on how to stay safe when on or near the water.

Safety Guidelines for Coastal Walking

• Stay in Contact -Tell someone where you are going and what time you expect to be back, it is always best to be accompanied.

• Tides - Pay attention to local tidal times and local conditions. Be alert to the danger of getting stranded or cut off. www.Safetyonthewater.gov.ie

• Weather Check the weather forecast. www.Safetyonthewater.gov.ie

• Route - Familiarise yourself with your planned route and any associated hazards. Seek local knowledge if you are unsure of the area.

• Phone – Ensure your phone is fully charged before setting out and carry it in a water proof container.

• Sunset - To avoid walking in darkness, be aware of the time the sun sets. If you know both this and the expected duration of the walk, you’ll have an optimum start time to set off.

• Sun Protection – Wear a hat. Wear a high factor sun protection.

• Safety Signage – pay attention to any safety signage identifying hazards

• Clothing - Dress Appropriately & wear suitable walking footwear. Be visible: Aim to wear at least one item of bright colour such as red, or orange so that you remain visible to the people in your party or rescue services if needs be.

• Food and Water - Bring enough food and water for your journey and some extra rations in case your excursion goes on for longer than expected.

• Children – Ensure children are always supervised, keeping small children close to parents or adults during any coastal walking activity.

• Coastal and Cliff Terrain - Stay away from exposed coastal and cliff edges

• Sea Conditions - do not underestimate the unpredictable nature of sea conditions where swell or wave activity can change dramatically and sweep a person without warning from a rock edge into the sea. Stay Back - Stay High, Stay Dry.

• Dogs - Keep dogs under control & do not enter the water to rescue animals Ring 999/112 for assistance

For more information on how to stay safe this summer visit www.gov.ie/summerready