Take care with Xmas swims, warns safety group

The Irish Water Safety Association is warning of the dangers involved in annual Christmas sponsored swims.

Figures show that 108 people have drowned in Christmas and New Year accidents in the last 12 years.

Thousands are expected to take to the sea, rivers and lakes in support of charitable causes this Christmas day.

Frank Nolan of the Irish Water Safety Association warned organisers are responsible for the safety of participants and says that events should be postponed until another date if conditions are unfavourable.