Water-based activities warning ahead of festive season

The Coast Guard, Water Safety Ireland and the RNLI have issued an appeal urging people to stay safe in any water based on coastal activities over the festive season.  

The three maritime organisations are asking people to check that they have the correct information to safely enjoy these activities and know what to do in an emergency. 

For those taking part in winter dips and swims, the advice is never to swim alone, ensure that somebody ashore is monitoring your activity, acclimatise slowly, stay within your depth and always be seen.

Water-based activities at this time of year or any time of year are not limited to swimming, as the popularity of kayaking, canoeing, boating, and paddle-boarding remains high. 

The safety advice for these activities includes: 

• Always have a means for calling for help and make sure you can access it when you are out on the water.
• Tell someone where you are going and what time you expect to return.
• Wear a lifejacket or buoyancy aid.
• Always check the weather forecast and sea conditions before you set off.
• If you're exploring somewhere new, seek knowledge from experienced practitioners in the area.

Water Safety Ireland's Deputy CEO Roger Sweeney said, "A full moon during Christmas week will heighten the risks for walkers and swimmers as the resulting higher high tides will make our coastline more precarious.

"Stay away from the water's edge on family walks, and swimmers should watch out for stronger rip currents. Children are often tempted to explore these sandbanks but risk being surrounded by an incoming tide. Parents and guardians should provide constant undistracted adult supervision of their children at all times."

RNLI Water Safety Lead Linda Gene Byrne added, "We would urge people, when they decide to take to the water, to make time to ensure they are doing it safely and with the correct knowledge and equipment. That time taken could save a life or another person's life." 

Coast Guard Operations manager Gerard O'Flynn commented, "Always carry a means of communication, such as VHF radio or a personal locator beacon, especially if going afloat. PLBs attached to a lifejacket are proven to be lifesavers".