With gales, changeable and inclement weather expected over the weekend, Irish Water Safety is reminding boaters of the importance of taking a good weather forecast and to factor this in to their plans accordingly. In addition we wish to remind you of the shorter daylight hours and not to be too ambitious when passage planning over the weekend.
On average 158 people drowning in Ireland each year so it will be essential to wear suitable protective clothing and a Personal Flotation Device when on the water over the weekend and avoid taking unnecessary risks, especially taking alcohol or drugs.
Surfers, Kayakers and Kite Surfers will experience a challenging environment due to the gales and need to wear suitable wet suits or dry suits and make arrangements to go out with others.
Anglers will be at risk and foreign nationals in particular should be extremely vigilant as the Atlantic swell is dramatically different to that experienced on the relatively calmer Baltic Sea to which many are accustomed.
Remember your lifeline in an emergency is 999 and 112 therefore carry a mobile phone and ask for the Marine Rescue.
If you discover missing or found Ringbuoys then log on to www.ringbuoys.ie to report them, remember, "a stolen ringbuoy is a stolen life"
For our children who will want to spend some time indoors over the weekend then click on www.aquaattack.ie to enjoy some aquatic games and puzzles whilst learning more about water safety.
