Christmas swimmers urged to stay safe ahead of busy period

Nikki McCarthy, who organises the Christmas Day swim at Dundag Bay on Muckross Lake in Killarney in aid of Aware. Picture: Don MacMonagle

The three maritime safety organisations are appealing to people to be careful during water-based or coastal activities during the festive season.

The Irish Coast Guard, the RNLI and Water Safety Ireland are asking people to check that they have the right information to safely enjoy water activities and that they know what to do in an emergency.

For those taking part in winter dips and swims, the advice is to never swim alone and ensure someone ashore is monitoring your activity.

Swimmers are advised to acclimatise to the water at their own pace, always remain in the line of sight and to stay within their depths.

Organisers of Christmas day or New Year swims are advised to have suitably trained personnel in attendance and to appoint a safety officer.

The Irish Coast Guard, the RNLI and Water Safety Ireland are asking people to check that they have the right information to safely enjoy water-based and that they know what to do in the event of an emergency.

Water-based activities at this or any time of year are not limited to swimming, however, as the popularity of kayaking, canoeing, boating and paddle-boarding remains high.

Safety advice for these activities includes:

• Always have a means for calling for help and make sure you can access it when you are out on the water;

• Tell someone where you are going and what time you expect to return;

• Wear a lifejacket or buoyancy aid;.

• Always check the weather forecast and sea conditions before you set off;

• If you're exploring somewhere new, seek knowledge from experienced practitioners in the area.

Water Safety Ireland’s deputy chief executive Roger Sweeney highlighted the full moon on December 27 will result in high tides, which could cause precarious conditions.

"Stay away from the water’s edge on family walks and swimmers should watch out for stronger rip currents. Stranding will also be a risk for many walkers as the lower low tides caused by the full moon will expose even greater areas of the coastline."

He also stressed that children are often tempted to explore these sandbanks but risk being surrounded by an incoming tide. 

'This time of year sees a huge increase in people doing seasonal swims and dips, particularly for charity.' Picture: David Creedon

RNLI water safety lead Linda Gene Byrne urged the public to swim safely as charity swims attract more swimmers.

"This time of year sees a huge increase in people doing seasonal swims and dips, particularly for charity.

"We would urge people when they decide to take to the water, to make time to ensure they are doing it safely and with the correct knowledge and equipment.

"That time taken could save a life or another person’s life."

The Coast Guard, Water Safety Ireland and RNLI would like to thank all the volunteers and staff of the search and rescue organisations who dedicated their time throughout the year.

Coast Guard operations manager Gerard O’Flynn said: “Please plan your activity, whether it be on the water or along the coast and only swim or walk in areas with which you are familiar.

"Be mindful that less busy walkways may have suffered erosion since the summer time."

If you see somebody in trouble on the water or along the coast, or think they are in trouble, dial 112 or 999 and ask for the Coast Guard.