Water safety stressed with hot weekend expected

People are being advised to take care around water as temperatures across the country soar.

Forecasters say the mercury level could reach as high as 28 degrees by Monday.

Beaches and waterways will be thronged with sun seekers and water sports enthusiasts, but there is a warning that the warm weather can lull people into a false sense of security.

Roger Sweeney, CEO of Irish Water Safety has confirmed lifeguards had to reunite 319 children with their parents on Irish beaches last year after they got lost.