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Irish Coast Guard warns people to 'stay safe in the water' this summer

There have been 14 deaths by drowning in Irish waters so far this year.

THE IRISH COAST Guard has launched a new ‘Stay Safe on the Water’ TV advertising campaign aimed at families, leisure users and the fishing industry during the busy summer months.

The 20 second advertisement premiered yesterday evening and will run from now until the end of August. There have been a total of 14 deaths by drowning in Irish waters so far this year, with three fishermen losing their lives off the coast of Waterford yesterday evening.

Last weekend was also the busiest for the Irish Coast Guard since 1991 for search and rescue incidents.

Manager of the Irish Coast Guard Declan Geoghan said that they want everyone to enjoy the outdoors this summer but to remember to heed advice and ensure that everyone stays safe.

Last Saturday and Sunday saw more than 53 Coast Guard search and rescue incidents taking place around the country. Of these, 21 were co-ordinated by the Dublin Marine Rescue Co-ordination Centre (MRCC), 18 by Valentia MRCC and 14 by Malin MRCC.

The incidents ranged from missing persons, swimmers in difficulty, vessels broken down, jetskis and speedboats operating in a hazardous way and urgent medical evacuations.

“Time and again, we see people ignoring basic safety advice, taking risks and then getting into difficulty, sometimes leading to loss of life”, Geoghan said.

“We had incidents last weekend where people ventured out on the water in boats that were ill-equipped, we saw people on jet-skis and in speedboats acting in a manner that is hazardous to swimmers, people who have ignored our advice and jumped off bridges into the water below,” he said. “Others ventured out on the water using inflatable devices which are more suited to swimming pools, which can be easily swept out to sea.”

The Irish Coast Guard has issued the following safety tips and advice to help enjoy the water and coastal activities in your area this weekend and throughout the summer.

Swimming

Only swim at beaches and waterways that have lifeguards on duty and pay attention to the safety flags. Ask the Lifeguard for advice about safety and water conditions and adhere to their instructions. Avoid using inflatable toys, such as lilos and rubber rings, on the water.

Cliff walking

There is safety in numbers, so never be alone if possible. Let somebody know when and where you are going and what time you will be back. Stay well away from the cliff edge, both top and bottom. Don’t attempt to rescue people or pets if they fall over the edge. If assistance is required dial 999/112 and ask for the Coast Guard.

Water sports and coastal activities

Before going to sea check local weather conditions and tides in the area. Wear correctly maintained and fitting lifejackets that are suitable for the activity. Lifejackets are of no use unless they are worn. Ensure your craft is fit for purpose. Always advise someone as to where you are going and the time of your intended return. Do not overload the craft. If you are in difficulty or see someone in difficulty and requiring assistance dial 999/112 and ask for Coast Guard.

Finally, under no circumstances should anyone ever engage in water activities under the influence of alcohol.

Read: Deaths of three brothers who drowned off Waterford coast a ‘devastating loss’>
Read: Two fishermen rescued off Sherkin Island after engine failure>

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12 Comments
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    Mute Lou Brennan
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    Jun 13th 2013, 9:38 AM

    This warning comes very late in the day. We’ve just had summer.

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    Mute Don Pleas
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    Jun 13th 2013, 10:09 AM

    Door open… Horse bolted… Door locked…

    *slow clap*

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    Mute Uncle Mort
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    Jun 13th 2013, 12:21 PM

    People do not need to be ‘told everything’ but they do need to be educated and to accept the fact that a ‘no swimming’ notice for example means just that. We saw the attempts last week to organise an party for 7000 people on one of the most notorious bits of sand in the country Sutton/Hole in the Wall where the tide can undercut your feet even standing at the edge of the water never mind swimming. First time I ever saw a helicopter attempt a rescue was off there as the Air Corp tried in vein to recover a casualty that they could actually see 12 foot under the surface.
    People need to be educated and not bring 7000 piss-artists to such a place.

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    Mute Uncle Mort
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    Jun 13th 2013, 12:22 PM

    in vain.

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    Mute Roman RomanOwski
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    Jun 13th 2013, 10:06 AM

    What summer?!!

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    Mute Debi-Nikita Rathbone-Rentzke
    Favourite Debi-Nikita Rathbone-Rentzke
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    Jun 13th 2013, 12:56 PM

    Seriously, Summer?

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    Mute Debi-Nikita Rathbone-Rentzke
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    Jun 13th 2013, 2:17 PM

    I stand corrected Muriel. :-)

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    Mute Marlon Major
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    Jun 13th 2013, 11:12 AM

    Really… Is it truly necessary to tell folks to be safe in water? I’d think it’s obvious that water can be dangerous.

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    Mute wellyd
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    Jun 13th 2013, 11:21 AM

    Sorry Marlon but it really is necessary to tell people about the dangers of water. It’s ridiculous the lack of common sense Irish people show to water safety. There are far too many people with the mindset that ‘It will never happen to me’. From a very young age I was told to respect the power of water and to always expect the unexpected. It seems many Irish people were never told this and they completely disregard basic safety of not only themselves but others with them.

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    Mute John Collins
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    Jun 13th 2013, 11:53 AM

    Nanny state. People have to be told everything.. Haha. Beach tax next year sheep. . And u all will pay

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    Mute Nikolas Koehler
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    Jun 13th 2013, 2:54 PM

    @ John – More taxes I say! As long as people are so fekkless as to go to a beach and leave their rubbish strewn about, then absolutely there should be a beach tax or beach toll.

    You want less taxes? Then people shouldn’t sit on their ar*e and expect the state to clean up around them..

    Less tax means doing more things yourself or hiring and paying a private contractor to do them. It’s that simple.

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    Mute Ryan Doyle
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    Jun 13th 2013, 8:50 PM

    Young people need to told in no uncertain terms that rivers and lakes are especially dangerous.

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