Association issues holiday drownings warning

Up to 10 people are likely to die in water-related accidents before the end of the holiday period, the Irish Water Safety Association warned.

The Association appealed for increased safety-consciousness in water-related activities over the coming days.

Chief executive John Leech warned that alcohol consumption was the principal cause in many drownings.

He said: “The Christmas season is particularly dangerous period as thousands of people around the country turn out for sponsored swims in support of charities.

“Many people go surfing, kayaking, boating, walk river and canal banks, and even venture out on to ice-frozen lakes.”

Mr Leech warned that icy boat decks, slippery quaysides and river banks were all potential hazards.

A total of 153 people died in drowning incidents in 2003, 51 of which were accidental.