Big Rise in Coastal and Inland Rescue Calls Over 2012

22nd July 2013

#WaterSafety - Rescue call-outs for people swimming in inland waterways have risen more than 100% over the past two months compared to the same period last year, as The Irish Times reports.

Coastguard call-outs overall have risen 50 per cent in the same timeframe, with calls to help coastal swimmers up by more than half on 2012 figures.

With the death toll from drownings during the continuing heatwave now standing at 10 after two weeks, the Irish Coast Guard has also highlighted a growing number of "close shaves" that could have doubled this already shocking figure.

According to the Irish Examiner, coastguard units throughout the country dealt with 72 incidents this past weekend alone.

These include two children rescued at Ballybunion in Co Kerry after drifting out to sea on an inflatable toy.

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MacDara Conroy

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MacDara Conroy is a contributor covering all things on the water, from boating and wildlife to science and business

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