Water safety - Swimmers vulnerable

At least three people drowned in Irish waters this weekend, bringing the death toll since the heat wave began to 10.

Following the latest tragedies the Irish Water Safety renewed its appeal to people to be careful while swimming in areas that are not supervised by lifeguards — in effect the great majority of swimming places across the country.

Some deaths were caused when swimmers were overcome by unexpectedly cold conditions, especially in fresh water. Despite the hot spell water temperatures take time to rise and unsuspecting swimmers may be unable to cope in water far colder than they had anticipated. This threat is especially relevant if people have been drinking alcohol before they go swimming.