Easter Bank Holiday weekend water safety appeal

The Coast Guard, RNLI, and Water Safety Ireland appeal to Leitrim people to take basic precautions to stay safe when visiting coasts or planning an activity on or near water ahead of this Easter Bank Holiday weekend.

As the clocks change and the evenings get longer and brighter, more people are expected to get out on the water. Knowing some simple water safety advice can help prevent accidents or tragedies.

Weather conditions over the weekend are expected to be mixed, with sunny periods followed by rain and showers. Water temperatures at this time of year are relatively cold, and inexperienced or occasional open-water swimmers should take care to slowly climatise and carefully manage their time in the water. Always be alert to the risk of cold water shock.

Gerard O'Flynn, Coast Guard Operations Manager, advises people always to check the weather forecast and ensure means of communication before planning water activities. "Please also be alert to the risk of becoming isolated by incoming tides on beaches or coastal areas, particularly if setting out during lower tides," he added.

Roger Sweeney, Water Safety Ireland's Deputy CEO, said: "Over the course of five Easter holiday periods, 12 people drowned accidentally, mainly while swimming, angling, or after falling in while walking. To stay safe, keep cold water swims brief and shallow, wear a lifejacket when angling on the shoreline or riverbanks, and stay away from the water's edge when out walking."

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