The Coast Guard, the RNLI and Water Safety Ireland have shared advice for anyone planning a Christmas swim, coastal walk or other water-based activities.
The Irish Coast Guard, the RNLI and Water Safety Ireland are asking people to check that they have the right information to safely enjoy these activities and that they know what to do in the event of an emergency.
A full moon during Christmas week (Dec 27th) will lead to higher tides, heightening the risks for walkers and swimmers, Water Safety Ireland has warned.
Appeal issued
Water Safety Ireland, along with The Coast Guard and the RNLI, have issued an appeal for the festive season, urging people to be mindful of the potential risks with their chosen activity and to plan ahead.
For those taking part in winter dips and swims the advice is:
- Never swim alone
- Ensure that somebody ashore is monitoring your activity
- Acclimatise slowly
- Stay within your depth
- Always be seen
Organisers of Christmas day or New year swims are advised to have suitably trained personnel in attendance and to appoint a Safety Officer.
Water Safety Ireland’s Deputy CEO Roger Sweeney said “A full moon during Christmas week (Dec 27th) will heighten the risks for walkers and swimmers as the resulting higher high tides will make our coastline more precarious. Stay away from the water’s edge on family walks and swimmers should watch out for stronger rip currents. Stranding will also be a risk for many walkers as the lower low tides caused by the full moon will expose even greater areas of the coastline.Children are often tempted to explore these sandbanks but risk being surrounded by an incoming tide. Parents and guardians should provide constant undistracted adult supervision of their children at all times.”
Coast Guard Operations manager Gerard O’Flynn commented “Please plan your activity, whether it be on the water or along the coast and only swim or walk in areas with which you are familiar.Be mindful that less busy walkways may have suffered erosion since the summertime. Always carry a means of communication, such as VHF radio or a personal locator beacon especially if going afloat. PLBs attached to a lifejacket are proven to be lifesavers”.
They advised that if you see somebody in trouble on the water or along the coast, or think they are in trouble, dial 112 or 999 and ask for the Coast Guard.
The Coast Guard, Water Safety Ireland and RNLI would also like to thank all the volunteers and staff of the search and rescue organisations, who keep people safe on the water all year round and whose actions have saved many lives and wish them and their families a safe, happy Christmas and a peaceful new year.
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Sources : Echo live
