Press release
Launch of the government’s ‘Be Summer Ready’ Information Campaign
From Department of Defence; Office of Emergency Planning
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Defence; Office of Emergency Planning
Published on
Last updated on
The government today launched the ‘Be Summer-Ready’ 2024 Public Safety Information Campaign. This campaign provides advice across a wide range of topics on staying safe this summer. This year the focused message is ‘TravelWise’- the Department of Foreign Affairs’ travel advice service.
The campaign was jointly launched by the Tánaiste, Minister for Defence and Chair of the Government Task Force on Emergency Planning, Micheál Martin and Minister of State with responsibility for the Coast Guard, Jack Chambers.
The Tánaiste said:
“The Be Summer Ready campaign is a great source of practical information to keep in mind when we are planning activities during the summer months. Above all, the campaign is about going about your work and enjoying your leisure activities knowing that you have done everything to keep you and your family safe this summer.”
The Tánaiste added:
“Irish people are travelling abroad in greater numbers, and with greater frequency, than ever before. And when they do, we all want them to make the right memories; whether with friends or family; on a weekend break, class trip, or a once in a lifetime adventure. However, as we travel more frequently and further afield, it is inevitable that the kinds of risks we face increase as well. Knowing how to prepare for foreign travel, and what to do if things go wrong, is what being TravelWise is all about.”
Today’s launch also touched on issues of road safety and heard of the importance of water safety awareness as we approach summer.
Minister Chambers said:
“Members of the public are encouraged to always ‘Think Water Safety - Plan & Prepare. Often practical and simple steps can save lives - such as checking the weather forecast and times of tides for your local area; swimming at lifeguarded beaches and within your depth; and ensuring that you have the right equipment for the water-based activity you are about to undertake, will help ensure you return home safely.
"Make sure to let someone ashore know where you are going and when you expect to be back and always have a means to call for assistance such as a fully charged mobile phone or Marine VHF Radio.
"In 2023 the Irish Coast Guard assisted more than 600 people, resulting in lives saved or prevention of long-term hospitalisation or life changing injuries. In 2024, the Coast Guard has responded to over 500 incidents to date and is gearing up for another busy summer period.
"If you see somebody in trouble on the water or along the coast, or think they are in trouble, use Marine VHF channel 16 or Dial 112 and ask for the Coast Guard."
The ‘Be Summer-Ready’ campaign is a ‘whole of government’ initiative to provide information to the general public on potential risks which may affect them during the summer months. The campaign’s messages will be delivered through internet and social media based information platforms across Government and by the provision of a ‘Be Summer-Ready’ information booklet and audio files and a ‘TravelWise’ leaflet which are available for download at www.gov.ie/SummerReady.