Week of activities to follow first Water Heritage Day

Today is the first Irish Water Heritage Day.

It is the first time a special day has been set aside to raise awareness of water as a unique part of our heritage.

Thousands of people are expected to take part in more than 500 events along rivers and canals throughout the country this week.

However, an average of 180 people drown on our waterways every year.

Roger Sweeney, of Irish Water Safety, says this week's events can be thoroughly enjoyed if people take proper precautions.