Irish Coast Guard urge public to ‘always think water safety’ ahead of sunny bank holiday weekend

The Irish Coast Guard, RNLI and Water Safety Ireland are appealing for people to take care when they are on or near the water ahead of a busy Bank Holiday weekend.

Thousands are expected to flock to Ireland's beaches, lakes and rivers for the sunny August Bank Holiday weekend, and are encouraged by the Coast Guard to ‘Always Think Water Safety’.

The Coast Guard, RNLI and Water Safety Ireland encourage those planning on hitting the water this weekend to plan and prepare before venturing on or near the water. 

This includes checking the weather and tide forecast and ensuring you have the right equipment to allow for a safe and enjoyable time in the water.

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The warning comes as the RNLI has seen an increase in the number of lifeboats going to the aid of people involved in increasingly popular activities like paddleboarding, kayaking and canoeing.

"We are seeing an increase in the number of incidents this summer involving paddleboarders, persons becoming stranded due to incoming tides, recreational boater groundings and several diving incidents,” said Kevin Whitney, operations manager with the Irish Coast Guard.

"Remember to have the right equipment for the activity you are about to undertake such as a correctly fitting Personal Flotation Device (PFD), and to let someone ashore know where you are going and when you will return, and most importantly, to have a means to call for help such as a marine VHF Radio, fully charged mobile phone, or Personal Locator Beacon.”

The public is also advised to have a means of calling for help at all times, and keep a marine radio or a fully charged mobile phone in a waterproof pouch near them.

“If participating in any diving activities, then it is highly recommended that you file a float plan with someone ashore or the Coast Guard so that emergency services are aware of your location and can assist if need be”, Whitney added.

Water Safety Ireland’s CEO Joanne Walsh called on the public to respect the advice of lifeguards at beaches around the country, saying “lifeguards are trained to identify when and where it is safe to swim”.

“Rip currents are not always easy to spot and the best way to remain safe is to swim between the red and yellow flags at lifeguarded waterways”, she added.

The RNLI say they have seen an increase in lifeboats being called to the aid of people involved with water activities such as paddleboarding, kayaking and canoeing in recent years.