Thousands of people will enjoy Bank Holiday breaks and family visits around the country and many will relax close to waterways that pose a danger if certain water safety best practices are not heeded. Irish Water Safety is pleading with the public to avoid tragedy by exercising common sense around our shorelines, rivers and lakes this coming weekend.
Children are fascinated and attracted to water. It is critical that adults supervise children at all times around aquatic environments.Visitors to rural homes should mind that children do not stray alone to septic tanks, quarries or riverbanks.
Those boating over the holiday weekend will share their enthusiasm with thousands more shore walkers, swimmers, divers, anglers, canoeists and surfers.
For most people it will be their inaugural voyage of 2010, so we encourage boat owners to ensure that their engines have been serviced and repaired and that they check out that all their safety equipment is serviced and onboard, click on http://www.iws.ie/guides-page35013.html for a full list as appropriate to your craft.
Cold-water temperatures average ten degrees at present. Most swimmers will not yet be acclimatized to such conditions and should not stay too long in the water.
Shore and Riverbank Walkers & Anglers
Stranding is a risk to many walkers and Anglers over Easter as the larger spring tides of a full moon which occurs on Tuesday entice walkers further from shore at low tide.
Alcohol is a contributory factor in approximately one-third of all drownings, therefore alcohol should not be consumed before or during aquatic activities.
Diving
Divers need to exercise caution on wreck or drift dives during the holiday period and this needs to be highlighted in the dive plan and brief.
Your Personal Flotation Device is Your Lifesaver
Wearing a Personal Flotation Device at all times when you are engaged in aquatic related pursuits will reduce the risk of accidental drownings this weekend. It is important that everybody visiting aquatic environments this Easter ensures that their lifejackets are fully serviced. A crotch strap is an essential component of inflatable lifejackets so please ensure it is fitted correctly.
Emergencies
People are reminded that if you see someone in difficulty in the water dial 999 OR 112. Don't assume someone else will make the call.
