Going for a Christmas Day Swim? Make sure you 'get in, get out and stay warm' says Irish Water Safety

By Kim O'Leary Co Kildare people are being urged to take care if planning to go for a Christmas Day swim, with the chief executive of Irish Water Safety offering advice to those participating in charity swims. With no sign of snow on the way and national forecaster Met Eireann predicting 'patchy rain, fog and cloudy conditions' with the mercury expected to stay between 7 and 10 degrees Celsius tomorrow, it is expected that many people will take part in charity swims around the country in rivers, lakes and the sea. The chief executive of Irish Water Safety, John Leech, is warning that freshwater is colder than the sea, urging anyone contemplating a swim in a river or lake to keep their swim short. Speaking on RTE's Morning Ireland on Christmas Eve, Mr Leech said: "Get in, get out quickly, get warm." Meanwhile, he also suggested that swimmers should enter the water gradually and to splash water on the back of their neck so that the cold water won't be too much of a shock to the system. Mr Leech also reminded swimmers to be careful whilst walking on slipways and to stay in their depth while swimming, so that if they get a cramp or become dizzy that they can easily wade out of the water. Mr Leech explained: "It is not a good idea to jump or dive in because of the danger of cold water shock." He also urged swimmers not to drink alcoholic beverages before entering the water as alcohol increases the heart rate and when combined with the cold water could cause a cramp or panic. When swimmers get out of the water after their swim they should warm up quickly to avoid hypothermia. “Don’t stand around chatting in your togs”. He said he would encourage people to participate in a Christmas swim as there are fantastic health benefits. For more information and advice on water safety check out www.iws.ie