'Consider wearing a wetsuit' - Swimmers urged to stay safe in cold water this bank holiday

The Irish Coast Guard is warning swimmers in Waterford and other coastal areas to take care near water over the bank holiday weekend. 

The safety appeal - issued jointly by the Irish Coast Guard, RNLI and Water Safety Ireland - urges people to stay safe when in, near or on the water as temperatures are still cold and could cause cold water shock and hypothermia. 

To avoid this during swims, people should acclimatise to the water slowly to get used to the cold and warm up quickly upon exiting the water.

Coast Guard Head of Operations, Gerard O’Flynn, urged people to plan activities carefully at this time of year "given that the weather conditions can be cold and changeable", and to have a safety plan in place. 

Water Safety Ireland’s Deputy CEO, Roger Sweeney, also commented and said, "Winter storms have damaged many waterside walking routes that were considered familiar and safe but may now be hazardous. Erosion underfoot is not always obvious until it is too late.

"Tell children in your care that to stay SAFE is to Stay Away From Edges. Use walkways that have public rescue equipment such as ring buoys in bright yellow boxes. Report missing or vandalised ring buoys as a stolen ring buoy could mean a stolen life."

Safety advice for anyone out on the water or visiting the coast: 

Never mix alcohol with water activities 

Always check the weather and tides 

Carry a reliable means of raising the alarm – a VHF radio, Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) or a fully charged mobile phone 

Tell someone where you are going and what time you will be back 

Wear a suitable Personal Flotation Device when boating or angling 

Watch out for incoming tides to avoid getting cut off 

Advice for swimmers:

Water temperatures are still cold at this time of the year, consider wearing a wetsuit to stay warm 

Acclimatise slowly, wear a bright swimming cap and consider a tow float to increase your visibility 

Never swim alone and always ensure that your activity is being monitored by a colleague 

RNLI Regional Water Safety Lead, Linda-Gene Byrne, added: "If you find yourself struggling in the water unexpectedly, your instinct will tell you to swim hard. But cold-water shock can make you gasp uncontrollably. Then you can breathe in water and drown.

"Instead, you should Float to Live. The best way to float is to tilt your head back with your ears submerged. Try to relax and breathe normally. You can gently move your hands to help you stay afloat if you need to. Spread your arms and legs out to improve stability – and it's OK if your legs sink, we all float differently. 

"Once your breathing is under control, call for help or swim to safety." 

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