Caution Against Swimming In Ireland's Inland Navigations

1st June 2016

Swimming is prohibited at infrastructure such as locks such as this on the Royal Canal near Kinnegad Credit: Sarah777/Wikimedia

#WaterSafety - Waterways Ireland has echoed the recent advice over the dangers of the water during the current warm spell across Ireland.

The latest marine notice from the management body for Ireland's inland navigations warns the public on the dangers of swimming and diving in and around navigation infrastructure such as bridges, locks, weirs, pontoons and harbour jetties.

The possibility of a swimmer being struck by a vessel, its propeller or being run over is ever present while powered craft are manoeuvring. Swimming is therefore prohibited at these locations.

It follows similar warnings from the Irish Coast Guard, RNLI and Irish Water Safety urging caution to anyone engaged in activities on or near the water this summer.

The latest incident saw a 12-year-old boy airlifted to University Hospital Galway after wounding his leg on a jagged rock while cliff diving in the Gaeltacht, as Independent.ie reports.

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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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