Water Safety Tips and Advice

The RNLI has urged the Northern Ireland public to exercise caution when visiting the coast and be aware of the dangers while lifeguards are currently not deployed on the region’s beaches. Rollout of the normal seasonal lifeguard service was halted…

As the risk of drowning increases around warm weather bank holiday weekends, Water Safety Ireland is appealing to the public to adhere to the following guidelines during this phase of Government’s Roadmap for Reopening Society. If you really must visit…

The chief executive of the RNLI has said England’s lifting of coronavirus restrictions has put the lifesaving charity “in an impossible situation”. It comes after a Bank Holiday weekend in the UK that saw two people die in separate incidents…

Warning of Increased Water Safety Risks as Covid 19 Restrictions Ease
18th May 2020 Coronavirus and Boating
The Government has been warned of the risks of an increase in drownings in the next few weeks during an easing of Covid-19 restrictions. Water Safety Ireland chief executive John Leech has expressed concern about the risks if weather is…

Surfers Urged To Stay Ashore Amid Pandemic & Avoid Risk To Lifesaving Crews
15th April 2020 Scottish Waters
Aberdeen RNLI has urged surfers to stay ashore during the Covid-19 pandemic to “protect emergency services and save lives”. The call came after the volunteer crew of the station in north-east Scotland were forced to break self-isolation and launch their…

Water Safety Ireland has warned that children are at greater risk of drowning during the current period of Covid-19 restrictions. The organisation points out that over half a million primary school-age children are confined to an area within 2km of…

Fishing Crews Urged To Avail Of Safety Training After Dramatic Irish Sea Rescue
6th February 2020 Water Safety
RNLI fishing safety manager Frankie Horne has urged the fishing community to avail of safety training that is on offer for their crews and to ensure that their safety equipment is up to date. It comes after the skipper of…

Coastal Walking Safety Reminder After Two Washed 15ft Off Arklow Pier By Large Wave
23rd December 2019 Rescue
Volunteers from Arklow RNLI were called to the scene where two people were injured after a wave swept them from the upper deck of a pier in the Co Wicklow town yesterday (Sunday 22 December). As TheJournal.ie reports, it’s understood…

Strong Tides Over Christmas Carry Dangers for Swimming, Boating, Surfing & Diving
22nd December 2019 Water Safety
Water Safety Ireland has issued a warning over the dangers of strong tidal streams tides over the Christmas period. On St. Stephen’s Day there will be a new moon. A new moon will increase the range of our tides causing…

Water Safety Ireland has urged organising Charity swims on Christmas Day, St. Stephen’s Day or New Year’s Day to ensure that they provide comprehensive details of each event to the Irish Coast Guard and local Gardaí. Each event should have…

New Plan to Stop Vandalism of Public Lifebuoys but Why is Bill for Tougher Penalties Delayed?
14th December 2019 Water Safety
I have no hesitation in saying that I detest those who vandalise public lifebuoys. Prosecuting and convicting such people, because their actions endanger life is, without question, absolutely necessary, but new legislation to make it easier for Gardai to do…

Inland Fisheries Ireland has acknowledged members of Fisheries Officers Stephen Kiely, Sean Cremin and Tom O’Riordan for their brave and combined valiant efforts in saving a life when they came across a person in difficulty during a routine fisheries patrol…

Seventeen lives were saved from drowning by rescuers who will receive recognition at Water Safety Ireland’s National Annual Awards Ceremony at the O’Reilly Hall in UCD this afternoon (Tuesday 26 November). Michael Ring, Minister for Rural & Community Development, will…

Revisions To Code Of Practice For The Safe Operation Of Recreational Craft
8th November 2019 Water Safety
The latest Marine Notice from the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport reminds water users of amendments to the 2017 edition of the Code of Practice for the Safe Operation of Recreational Craft. The Code of Practice is a valuable…

In response to Marine Casualty Investigation Board (MCIB) recommendations, the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport (DTTAS) has issued a Marine Notice to remind masters, owners, users, charterers, skippers and crew of fishing vessels of previous safety advice and requirements.…

Call For Compulsory Lifejacket Law After Drowning Deaths In Northern Ireland
30th October 2019 Water Safety
Patrick McGurgan, a Northern Ireland coroner, has recently called for the introduction of a law to make the wearing of lifejackets compulsory in Northern Ireland, writes Betty Armstrong. Mr McGurgan had heard two inquests following separate drowning deaths on inland…