Coastgaurd issues safety warning

The Irish Coastguard today joined calls for safety first this Bank Holiday weekend urging anyone taking to the water to be extra vigilant.

Officials said there was a simple message for anyone going out to sea, swimming or involved in water sports – please use common sense and come back safe.

Swimmers and sailors were warned to be on the lookout for strong currents such as rip tides, high winds and squalls and cancel your trip if conditions are unsuitable.

The Coastguard also people not to mix alcohol and water sports.

Lifejackets are essential and the law, officials said. If going out in a boat, canoeing, windsurfing, jet skiing, fishing, rowing, sailing or just taking a trip, you must wear an approved, properly serviced personal flotation device.

People were told to plan trips carefully, tell someone ashore where you are going and when you will be back and carry a means of raising the alarm in case of difficulties.

Swimmers should only go in the water where it is safe and where lifeguards are on duty.

Never use inflatable airbeds or toys on open water and look out for small children near the water and do not let them wander off, the Coastguard said.

The dangers of climbing sea cliffs were also highlighted and people were urged not to go out alone or in darkness.

In the last 24 hours the Coastguard reported up to a dozen people had to rescued from our shores.

Several swimmers were pulled from the water off Co Clare and Co Kerry and a number of boats capsized or went adrift in Galway Bay, near Cork, and by Valentia Island.

The Coastguard helicopter and three lifeboats were involved in the rescues.

The Coastguard said people could check www.safetyonthewater.ie for further advice and if they see someone in difficulty at sea, in the water or on the cliffs dial 999 or 112 and ask for Coastguard.