Urgent appeal to swimmers and bathers to 'act responsibly' to prevent further tragedy

Swimmers, bathers and members of the public are being urged to take care when going on or near the water at beaches and beauty spots across Ireland between now and the end of the summer.

According to official figures, published to mark World Drowning Prevention Day, an average of ten people drown in Ireland every month.

Water Safety Ireland says between 2017 and 2021, there have been an average 118 drownings per annum. 70% of those who died were male while individuals aged between 40 and 69 accounted for more than half of all drownings.

So far this year, the Irish Coast Guard has responded more than 1,300 incidents alongside the RNLI, lifeguards, and other emergency services.

Commenting on World Drowning Prevention Day. Minister of State with special responsibility for the Irish Coast Guard, James Lawless said: “I am joining the Irish Coast Guard, Water Safety Ireland and the RNLI in appealing to people to play their individual part in preventing further tragedies on the water. The August Bank Holiday weekend is on the horizon, and many of us will be drawn to our beaches and inland waterways. But we should all plan ahead before engaging in any water-based activity."

Mr Lawless is appealing to those considering any water-based or coastal activity to PAUSE beforehand to prevent further tragedy.

Plan your activity carefully and what you need to bring with you, including sun protection. Then tell someone where you’re going, who you will be with and when you are due back.

Always bring a means of effectively communicating your distress, sufficient drinking water and the correct equipment for your activity. Know how to use that equipment in an emergency and always wear a lifejacket or personal flotation device.

Use readily available sources of information to check the weather and tides before heading out for your activity.

Seek help immediately if you or someone you see is possibly in difficulty by calling 999/112 or using VHF Radio – Channel 16 and asking for the Coast Guard.

Enjoy Ireland’s wonderful outdoors safely and act responsibly.

Kevin Whitney, Operations Manager with the Irish Coast Guard said: “World Drowning Prevention Day is another opportunity to highlight the importance of water safety and help decrease the number of incidents on the water.  Planning and preparing for each activity such as checking the weather forecast or tides for local beaches and having the right equipment such as a correctly fitting Personal Flotation Device (PFD) and means to call for assistance, such as a VHF radio, mobile phone, or Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), will contribute to a safer time on the water. Always let someone ashore know where you are going and when you intend to return.”  

Roger Sweeney, Deputy CEO of Water Safety Ireland commented: “On average, ten people drown in Ireland every month. More than half of accidental drownings were preceded by land-based activities, not by swimming or boating. Mark World Drowning Prevention Day by having a water safety conversation with loved ones about the importance of staying away from edges, wearing a lifejacket when boating or angling from shore, and learning swimming and lifesaving skills.”

Linda-Gene Byrne, RNLI Water Safety Lead said: “We know the coast and inland waters are going to be incredibly busy over the summer holidays and we want everyone to enjoy their time but to also keep water safety in mind.  On World Drowning Prevention Day, we want to remind everyone to remember the float to live message.”

“If you get into trouble in the water, Float to Live; tilt your head back with ears submerged and try to relax and control your breathing. Use your hands to help you stay afloat and then call for help or swim to safety if you can. It's OK if your legs sink, we all float differently”.

If you see somebody in trouble on the water or along the coast or think that they are in trouble, use Marine VHF Ch 1 or dial 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.