Publication
WATER SAFETY
From Department of Defence; Office of Emergency Planning
Published on
Last updated on
- learn to swim and learn lifesaving skills (including CPR)
- instructions are available from approved training providers. Go to www.safetyzone.ie for more information
- when entering an aquatic environment ensure you are experienced or you are with somebody who is experienced. Inform others on shore of your plans and time of return
- note the location of the nearest ringbuoy in case of emergency
- when engaging in aquatic activities, do not drink beforehand
- swim at designated, lifeguarded waterways and beaches, between the flags, where possible. Stay within your depth
- follow all orders from lifeguards, and pay attention to all signs
- ask locals and lifeguards for advice about hazards and dangers in unfamiliar aquatic settings
- always wear a personal flotation device/lifejacket when boating or angling and ensure that it has correctly fitting straps
- wear suitable clothing such as a wet suit or warm water-proof clothing
- shore and beach walkers should stay away from the edge and be vigilant to the dangers of stranding by incoming tides
- always carry a mobile phone, and in an emergency ring 112 or 999 – ask to speak to the Coast Guard
- check the weather forecast and time of tides before going into or near water
- never enter the water at night or when darkness is approaching
- do not use inflatable toys in open water or swim out after anything drifting
When abroad:
- find out where is safe to swim. In some countries, some beaches, lakes, rivers, and creeks can be unsuitable for swimming, and may not be manned by lifeguards
- do not swim beyond your depth, and do not enter the water at night-time or in a state of intoxication
- ensure that any water sport activities you plan to undertake, such as jet skiing, are covered by your travel insurance
- take extra care if travelling by boat in certain countries, as maritime safety standards can vary
Note that diving is a high-risk sport, often with the risk of dangerous sea currents and unpredictable water conditions. Only experienced divers should partake in this sport and should adhere to the local laws and safety regulations:
- it is strongly recommended to only participate in diving tours if you hold a valid open water diving licence that is accredited by a reputable international diving organisation following your participation in an intensive training course (usually spanning 5 days)
- only use diving schools and diving masters that are properly certified by international diving organisations. Before diving, please consult with a doctor to ensure that you are fit to dive
- diving is considered an adventure sport by many insurance companies and may not be covered by standard travel or medical insurance policies. Ensure that your travel and medical insurance policies cover you for diving activities. Diving beyond the depth limit specified in your insurance policy, or diving unaccompanied, can invalidate your insurance cover
Swim at designated bathing areas where lifeguards are on duty. Get listings at www.watersafety.ie. If there are no designated bathing areas near you, then swim at known safe traditional bathing areas where there are ringbuoys erected. Always ensure that the ringbuoy is in its yellow box before entering the water. Make sure that the edges are shallow shelving so that you can safely and easily enter and exit the water:
- know the tides and be conscious of currents
- never jump or dive in case of hidden hazards
- stay within your depth and swim parallel to shore
- never put pressure on others to take risks
- learn to use equipment before trying it out
- enter cool water slowly allowing your body to acclimatise
- to escape a rip current sweeping you out to sea, remain calm and swim parallel to shore until free
- never swim when you are hot or tired
- don’t swim in Quarries, ESB Reservoirs and tail races
When cold water makes contact with your skin, the cold shock response causes an immediate loss of breathing control, possible dizziness and panic. This dramatically increases the risk of sudden drowning even if the water is calm and you know how to swim. For those who survive this, but are unable to get out of the water, progressive body cooling leads to hypothermia and muscle cooling, making swimming more difficult or impossible. Children cool even faster than adults.
If you fall in to cold water avoid swimming, stay calm and relax. Float or tread water and if possible get as much of your body out of the water. To lessen heat escape keep your legs together and elbows by your side.
Coastal walks present a high risk of stranding as people may become trapped by incoming tides. Avoid walking on sandbanks and keep children at a safe distance from the edges of rivers, canals and inland waterways. Water temperatures can be cold, which puts people at risk of cold shock and hypothermia if suddenly immersed. For more information about symptoms, prevention and follow up hypothermia techniques go to www.watersafety.ie.
- stand back from the shore edge and establish voice contact with the person, shouting ‘Kick your legs!’
- look for the nearest ringbuoy (yellow box)
- secure the end of the rope or hold it in your hand
- holding the ringbuoy, swing back, then release forward with an under-arm throw, shouting ‘Ringbuoy! Ringbuoy! Ringbuoy!’
- aim to land the ringbuoy beyond the person, so the ringbuoy can be pulled into their grasp
- instruct the person to hold the ringbuoy. Slowly pull them to land, reassuring them
- get others to help you, if available
Rips are strong currents that start near the shore and rush out seaward, quickly taking you out of your comfort zone, from the shallows to deeper water. Rip currents are the leading surf hazard for all beachgoers. They are particularly dangerous for weak or non-swimmers. Rip currents most typically form at low spots or breaks in sandbars, and also near structures such as groynes, jetties and piers.
How to identify rip currents:
- a channel of churning, choppy, green, deeper water
- an area having a notable difference in water colour, normally dark green or blue in sunshine
- a line of foam, seaweed, or debris moving steadily seaward
- a break in the incoming wave pattern
Rip currents are often not readily or easily identifiable to the average beachgoer. Polarized sunglasses make it easier to see the rip currents. Ask a lifeguard for advice.
Remember: Green water is mean; white water is nice.
Tips for surviving a rip current:
- if caught in a rip current, remain calm to conserve energy and think clearly
- do not try to swim against the current. Swim out of the current in a direction following the shoreline. When out of the current, swim towards shore
- if you are unable to swim out of the rip current, float or calmly tread water. When out of the current, swim towards shore
- if you are still unable to reach shore, draw attention to yourself by facing the shore and calling for help
- if you see someone in trouble, get help from a lifeguard. If a lifeguard is not available, have someone call 999 or 112
- throw the rip current victim something that floats and yell instructions on how to escape
- remember, many people drown while trying to save someone else from a rip current
Bathers should check the EPA’s bathing water website, to find out which beaches have safe water quality. The website shares the latest information on over 200 bathing waters sampled by local authorities during the bathing water season, which runs from 1 June to 15 September. Information on weather, tides and amenities are also available.
Each year, children die in drowning accidents in or near their home. Children are most at risk because they feel that their house is safe but there are many dangers.
Remember drowning can occur in very shallow water, in such places as:
- streams
- drains at the end of a garden
- fish or garden ponds
- play pools or swimming pools
- wells
- barrels or water tanks
- septic tanks or slurry pits
Know the dangers around the home:
- adults should fence off any rivers, streams or drains running near the home
- an adult should always supervise playtime in paddling pools
- paddling pools should be emptied straight away after use
- holes or drains left exposed after building work should be closed
- private swimming pools should be fenced in
- swimming pools should have covers that can be firmly secured
- if your home is on a farm, keep away from slurry pits
- rain barrels, water tanks, wells and fish ponds should be covered with wire mesh or metal grids
- ensure pets are adequately catered for during warm weather
Learn how to help:
- if you see someone in difficulty dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard
- you, your family and your friends can learn water safety swimming, lifesaving and rescue skills at www.watersafety.ie
Water Safety Information is translated into Irish, Belarusian, Chinese, Czech, Latvian, Lithuanian, Polish, Romanian and Slovakian. Go to www.watersafety.ie.
The Coast Guard has overall responsibility for coordinating Search and Rescue at sea, on Ireland’s coast and on designated inland waterways. The Coast Guard also assists with inland search and rescue and provides a 24/7 service.
Coast Guard services can be contacted by:
- dialling 112/999 and asking for the Coast Guard
- marine VHF radio
- activating a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) or Electronic Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB)
All those planning to go to sea on any craft are urged to carry marine VHF equipment as the primary means of distress and safety communication. In addition, the carriage of an EPIRB and/or PLB as a secondary means of distress alerting is strongly advised. Mobile telephones should NOT be considered as a suitable substitute.
Before considering any water-based or coastal activity during the summer months, the Coast Guard recommends that you first, ‘PAUSE’.
P lan your activity carefully, detail where you are going and how, what clothing (or PPE) may be required to stay protected from the sun, from the water and for any sudden change in weather, and who you will inform of your intentions (e.g. Where you’re going, Who you’re with and When you’re due to return).
A lways bring a means of effectively communicating your distress, sufficient water and the correct equipment for the activity you’re considering. Know how to use your equipment in an emergency and always wear a Personal Flotation Device/Lifejacket when near or on the water.
U se readily available sources of information to check the environmental conditions (weather and tides) in advance of your trip.
S eek help immediately if you or someone you observe is possibly in difficulty by calling 999/112 or using VHF Radio - Ch: 16 and asking for the Coast Guard.
E njoy Ireland’s wonderful outdoors safely and act responsibly.
Remember: if in doubt - shout!
All year round, but especially in summer, we should all be mindful of the amount of water we use, and try to use only what we need.
Have a shower instead of a bath. Showers use only half the amount of water required for a bath. Spend less time in the shower. An average shower uses 10 litres of water per minute, so taking a shorter shower will save water.
Remember to turn off the tap when brushing your teeth. A running tap can use up to six litres of water per minute.
Make sure your washing machine and dishwasher are always fully loaded before putting on a wash to save water and money on energy bills.
Use a basin in the sink. A basin is useful for washing dishes by hand or collecting the water you use to rinse fruit and vegetables, which can then be used for watering plants. Keep a jug of water in the fridge. Waiting for a tap to run cold water to drink can waste more than 10 litres of water in a day.
Use a rose head watering can in the garden and a bucket and sponge to wash your car. A hose uses more water in one hour than the average family uses in a day. Water your plants in the early morning or late evening. This saves water evaporating and avoids scorching your plants too. Add layers of plant material, like bark or straw, to your garden soil to help it retain more water.
For more general information on the critical value of our most precious natural resource, watch the story of water documentary. It presents a unique perspective on the ongoing national project to upgrade the country’s drinking water supply and wastewater treatment.
You can consider upgrading to more water efficient appliances. For example water efficient taps, shower heads, toilets, and dishwashers can make a big difference. Choosing to implement waterless processes can dramatically reduce your company’s water footprint. This can include air-vacuums, high-pressure air jets, and dry sweeping.
There are cheaper alternatives too. You can retrofit a dual flush system into older toilets or invest in toilet cistern bags. Businesses with showers may also wish to invest in shower timers. Find out more at www.water.ie. If there are plants within the building, try to choose ones that need less water, that is, cacti, peace lilies, aloe vera and jade plants. If you have outdoor plants, water them in the morning before the sun gets too hot and evaporates the water.
