Galway County Council is among the organisations encouraging people to prioritise water safety ahead of the busy June Bank Holiday Weekend as crowds flock to beaches, rivers, lakes and coastal areas across the city and county.
The county council, which promotes water safety on behalf of both local authorities in Galway through its participation in the County Committee for Water Safety, is supporting a joint public safety message from the Irish Coast Guard, Water Safety Ireland and the RNLI.
The public information campaign being rolled out countrywide is reminding people that while air temperatures may feel warm, water temperatures around Ireland remain dangerously cold.
With many people expected to take their first swim of the season over the bank holiday weekend, people are advised to exercise caution and follow basic water safety advice.
Even on sunny days, sea and inland water temperatures are often below 15°C. Entering cold water suddenly can trigger cold water shock, causing involuntary gasping, panic and loss of breathing control, significantly increasing the risk of drowning.
People entering the water are encouraged to do so slowly and allow their bodies time to adjust to the cold temperatures.
Swimmers should splash water on themselves to acclimatise, keep swims short, stay within their depth and avoid swimming alone. People are also advised to remain together at all times and ensure everyone exits the water safely.
Those planning activities on or near the water should check weather forecasts and tide times before heading out and carry a means of calling for help, such as a fully charged mobile phone.
People are reminded to always wear a correctly fitting and serviced lifejacket or buoyancy aid and to avoid alcohol, which can impair judgement, coordination and reaction times. People should also let someone know where they are going and when they expect to return.
Float to live
All water users are also being reminded of the “Float to Live” mantra if they get into difficulty in the water.
People should stay calm and resist the urge to panic, tilt their head back with their ears submerged, relax and control their breathing, and gently move their hands and legs to help stay afloat. Once breathing is under control, they should raise a hand for help or swim to safety if possible.
If you see somebody in difficulty on the water or along the coast, you should use marine VHF Channel 16, or dial 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.
For further information on water safety, visit www.watersafety.ie
