National Services Urging Public To Stay Safe This Bank Holiday Weekend

As the weather cools and daylight hours shrink, open water swimming continues to attract enthusiasts throughout the year. However, the colder temperatures bring added risks such as cold-water shock, rip currents and hidden hazards caused by local flooding. To stay safe, it's crucial to understand how your body reacts to cold water and be aware of potential dangers. The Irish Coast Guard, Water Safety Ireland and the RNLI are reminding the public to think water safety for the October Bank Holiday Weekend. Always ensure you have a way to communicate, check weather and tide updates and inform someone of your plans before heading out. Open Water Swimming Safety Guidelines - Plan Ahead Check weather forecasts, tide schedules and wave conditions before your swim. Bring warm clothing and a hot drink for after your swim. Keep your mobile phone in a waterproof case. - Don’t Swim Alone Always swim with a companion and let someone know your route and expected return time. - Ease in Gradually Enter the water slowly to allow your body to adjust and reduce the risk of cold-water shock. - Be Visible Wear a brightly coloured swim cap and consider using a tow float for extra visibility in the water. - Know Your Limits Swim within a depth you're comfortable with, and stay close to shore. - Rip Current Awareness If caught in a rip current, stay calm and swim parallel to the shore to escape. Alternatively, float to conserve energy. - Keep Someone Informed Share your swimming plan, location and expected return time with someone on land. If you find yourself struggling in the water, remember the key message: Float to Live . Keep yourself afloat until help arrives and if you spot someone in distress on the water or along the coast, use Marine VHF Ch 16 or dial 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.