Irish Water Safety is appealing to the public not to swim for extended periods at this time of year as drownings can happen due to hypothermia in cold waters.
As people across Ireland get active and go outdoors during the Bank Holiday weekend, there are warnings that water temperatures are still cold and there is a danger of hypothermia.
Drowning risks increase during bank holiday weekends with alcohol present in one-third of drowning victims, according to IWS. The group also warn that the majority of drownings occur close to vicitms’ homes – 62% of drownings occur inland with 80% of drownings occurring close to the victim’s home. Minimize the drowning risk with the following bank holiday safety guidelines:
Bank Holiday water safety:
1. Supervise children at all times near water – 30 children aged 14 and under drowned in ten years.
2. Avoid staying in the water for extended periods as waters are still cold and you risk hypothermia.
3. Swim with others, never alone, in recognised, traditionally safe bathing areas.
4. Swim within your depth, parallel and close to shore.
5. Never use inflatable toys in open water or swim out after anything drifting.
6. Train for your aquatic activity at www.safetyzone.ie
7. Wear a Lifejacket when on or near the water and make sure that it has a correctly fitting crotch strap.
8. Alcohol impairs judgment, balance and coordination – all essential for swimming and boating and avoiding hazards in the water.
9. In Marine Emergencies, call 112 and ask for the coastguard.
Visit www.iws.ieto learn more about water safety.
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