Water Safety Bodies issue appeal to Leitrim families ahead of Bank Holiday Weekend

Irish Coast Guard, RNLI and Water Safety Ireland are appealing to Leitrim families ahead of the Bank Holiday Weekend to exercise caution in coastal areas and when engaging in any water-based activities.

In a safety appeal, the water safety bodies said, “Following a period of poor weather, storms and heavy rainfall, the Irish Coast Guard, Water Safety Ireland and the RNLI are reminding the public that checking weather and sea conditions is a critical first step before any coastal or water-based activity.

“Strong winds this weekend are expected to lead to very rough sea states and large swells, making coastal conditions particularly dangerous,” they added.

They noted that storm waters and rising sea levels can quickly cut people off from safety or allow waves to reach places that are normally dry, leaving little or no time to escape.

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The water safety bodies stressed that keeping safe around water is everyone’s responsibility, adding that staying back from the water’s edge can help prevent a tragedy.

Advice issued to the public who may be swimming at this time of year includes wearing a wetsuit and a brightly coloured swimming cap and gloves to stay warm; acclimatising slowly; using a tow float to increase visibility; never swimming alone; and always ensuring someone is monitoring your activity.

If you see somebody in trouble on the water or along the coast, or think they may be in difficulty, dial 112 or 999 or use VHF radio CH 16 and ask for the Coast Guard.

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