• Swim at Lifeguarded waterways and bathing areas where possible (listed at www.iws.ie). If you are swimming without Lifeguards present then ensure that at least one of you has taken an Irish Water Safety course in lifesaving rescue skills.
• Water temperature is currently only about 14 degrees Celsius; therefore spend no more than ten minutes in water at any one time and less for children.
• River bathing areas tend to be deeper and prone to strong currents.
• Access and egress from the water at areas which are not designated bathing areas can be steep, muddy and hazardous.
• Strong currents can overcome a relatively good swimmer.
• Don’t swim in strange or unusual places or ever swim alone, always seek local knowledge.
• Don’t swim after dark.
• Always swim within your own ability, avoid dares, bets and pranks.
• Don’t consume alcohol as approximately 30% of all drowning victims will have consumed alcohol.
• Remember the 14 steps to safe swimming as follows:
1. Don’t swim alone
2. Don’t swim just after eating
3. Don’t swim when you’re hot or tired
4. Don’t swim in strange places
5. Don’t swim out after anything drifting
6. Don’t stay in the water too long
7. Don’t swim out to sea
8. Swim parallel and close to the shore
9. Do what the lifeguard tells you
10. Never use inflatable toys
11. Pay attention to signs on the beach
12. Don’t be a bully
13. Learn to use equipment before trying it out
14. Learn Basic Life Support
More information is available on the Irish Water Safety website at www.iws.ie or for children www.aquaattack.ie
Enquiries to: Irish Water Safety, The Long Walk, Galway. John Leech: 087 678 9600 or Roger Sweeney: 087 678 9601
With Summer well and truly upon us, it’s time to think of our safety around and on the water – nobody wants to become a statistic! The people at Irish Water Safety have produced the following steps to ensure that you are safe when swimming in open water.
About The Author
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