Irish Water Safety is appealing to the public to stay within their depth when swimming in open water during this current spell of hot weather, following an analysis of the thirteen drownings in last year's heat wave.
- Swim at Lifeguarded waterways - www.iws.ie/bathing-areas-page.html
- If there is no Lifeguarded waterway nearby then swim at a recognized, traditional bathing area
- Swim within your depth - stay within your depth
- Use local knowledge to determine local hazards and safest areas to swim
- Ensure that ringbuoys are present
- Make sure that the edges are shallow shelving so that you can safely and easily enter and exit the water
- Only drink alcohol after your aquatic activity has ended. Stay Away From The Edge after you consume alcohol
- Never bring inflatable toys or floating killers to beaches, lakes or rivers
- Shout to the casualty and encourage them to shore. This may orientate them just enough
- Reach out with a long object such a branch or a piece of clothing but do not enter the water yourself
- Throw a ringbuoy or any floating object and call 112 for the coast guard
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