Swimming
Holiday destinations often lull people into a false sense of security and people often put their lives at risk around water as a result of complacency, ignorance of the dangers, a lack of training or a combination of all three.
On arrival at a holiday centre, which has a swimming pool, do not allow children to go immediately to the pool until you have checked out the safety arrangements. On many occasions there may not be any lifeguard on duty.
Swim only after digesting food and never after taking alcohol or immediately after a long journey.
Always swim with others, never alone.
Be particularly careful of young children wandering off. Constantly supervise children/baby pools that may be next to the main pool without any barrier between them.
Check for pool depth markings. There may not be any so you must check the depths yourself if you are a competent swimmer.
Ensure that you do not dive into shallow water.
Watch out for sudden drops or changes in the gradient of a pool floor.
Check for missing, uneven or slippery tiles surrounding or in the pool.
Do not swim or do not allow children to swim in a pool with discoloured water.
Always swim in designated areas patrolled by lifeguards.
Swim with family or friends – never alone.
Swim within your depth and parallel to the shore.
Never swim after dark.
Beware of rip currents, as new moon spring tides are particularly high mid-week.
Craft/Adventure Activity
Always wear a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) and ask how to secure and inflate it.
Do not get on board if the craft appears overloaded or unstable.
Ask what safety measures are in place in the event of an accident. Do not partake if the answer is unsatisfactory. If you feel that the equipment owners are not professional do not use the facilities.
Always wear protective headgear.
If you can't swim – don't partake.
If equipment on offer looks worn – don't use it.
Never go on the water alone.
Don't drink alcohol before going on the water in any craft.
If the person in charge of the craft looks inexperienced do not get on board.
Remember – any rough or white-water activity can be risky.
Don't take part in any water sport activity at night.
Only participate in adventure sport that you have received training in.
For the Safety of Nationals from other countries living in Ireland
Anglers are at risk, in particular nationals from other countries, who should be extremely vigilant to the large Atlantic swell, which is dramatically different to that experienced on the relatively calmer Baltic Sea, with which they are more familiar. Extreme care is needed when fishing from rocks and in fast flowing rivers where non-nationals may not anticipate the dangers relative to those they experience in other countries.
More information is available on our website or for children
