Water agencies issue warning to swimmers ahead of scorching weekend temperatures

People took to the beach to cool down as Met Éireann has issued a yellow weather warning for heat, with temperatures expected to hit 28C. People cool off in the sea at the Warren Beach. Picture: Andy Gibson.

With temperatures expected to reach over 28C today, the Irish Coast Guard, Water Safety Ireland, and the RNLI have issued an appeal, urging the public to take caution when participating in water or coastal activities this weekend.

The warning comes in the wake of several recent tragedies in Irish waters, including the death of eight-year-olf Emili Roman in Fountainstown on Tuesday, and 14-year-old Jack O'Sullivan, who died swimming in Passage West in August.

Sea temperatures have reached a seasonal high and so the risk of water incidents occurring is at its peak.

An average of nine people drown every month nationwide and so the organisations have asked the public to be mindful of the following advice during the current spell of warm weather.

A Status Yellow high-temperature warning is in place for the entire country. That warning, in place until 8am on Saturday, will see "very warm and humid weather". Temperatures are expected to rise well above 28C, and night-time temperatures will remain above 15C over the weekend. Potential impacts of this weather include heat stress and uncomfortable sleeping conditions.

Swimmers make the most of good weather conditions in Sandycove yesterday. Picture: Collins Photos

Met Éireann has also warned of a risk of water-related incidents.

The advice includes never swimming alone, and always ensuring that somebody ashore is monitoring your activities in case you get into difficulties, only swimming in areas you are familiar with and never allowing children into the water alone, always keeping a watchful eye.

The water agencies have also identified alcohol as a factor in one-third of drownings, adding that it should not be mixed with water activities.

Additionally, swimmers are advised to swim and stay within their depth, avoid using inflatable toys in open water, and ensure they are able to escape a rip current, by swimming parallel to shore before swimming back to shore at an angle.

Other tips include:

• Where possible choose lifeguard-protected beaches. Lifeguards will be patrolling blue flag beaches throughout the weekend. If you are swimming elsewhere, swim in areas that are known locally as safe and where there are ringbuoys present for rescues. Ask for local knowledge to determine local hazards and safest areas to swim. Pay attention to any safety signage.
• Never use inflatable toys in open water as a gentle breeze can quickly bring a person away from shore.
• Make sure that the water’s edge is shallow shelving so that you can safely enter and exit.
• The air temperature is warm but open water is cooler than air – avoid extended stays in the water as your muscles will cool, making swimming more difficult.
• If you see somebody in trouble in the water: SHOUT – REACH – THROW SHOUT to calm, encourage and orientate them;
• REACH with anything that prevents you from entering the water (clothing/stick);
• THROW a ringbuoy or any floating object to them.
• If you experience difficulty in the water, FLOAT TO LIVE. Tilt your head back with ears submerged, relax and try to control your breathing. Move your hands to help you stay afloat.
• When boating, always wear a correctly fitting lifejacket or Personal Flotation Device and have to hand a VHF radio and a fully charged mobile phone in a waterproof pouch.
• If you see somebody in Trouble in the water or along the coast, or think they are in trouble, dial 112 or use VHF radio Channel 16 and ask for the Coast Guard.