Irish Coast Guard, Water Safety Ireland and RNLI advice ahead of Bank Holiday

While air temperatures are warmer, sea and inland water temperatures remain low. This contrast can present a hidden but serious risk of cold water shock and hypothermia to anyone entering or unexpectedly falling into the water.

Even on warm, sunny days, water temperatures are often below 15°C, cold enough to trigger cold water shock. This sudden reaction can cause involuntary gasping, panic, and loss of breathing control, greatly increasing the risk of drowning.

While a large number of people are expected to visit the coast or inland waterways over the bank holiday weekend, for many this will be their first dip of the season. Remember to enter the water slowly, splash yourself to acclimatise, keep your dips short and stay within your depth. Don’t go alone, swim with others, always stay together, and ensure everyone leaves the water safely.

If you’re planning an activity in or on the water, remember:

• Check weather and tides before heading out, and carry a means of calling for help such as a fully charged mobile phone
• Always wear a correctly fitted and serviced lifejacket or buoyancy aid
• Avoid alcohol as it impairs judgement, coordination, and reaction time
• Let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return.

If you fall into the water unexpectedly or get into difficulty, remember:

• Float to Live
  • Stay calm and fight any instinct to panic or thrash around
  • Tilt your head back, with your ears submerged
  • Relax and try to breathe normally
  • Move your hands and feet to help you stay afloat. It’s fine if your legs sink, we all float differently
  • Once you’ve regained control of your breathing, call for help or raise your hand or swim to safety if you are able.

If you see somebody in trouble on the water or along the coast or think that they are in trouble, use marine VHF radio Ch 16 or dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.

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RNLI Media Contacts

RNLI media contacts

For more information, please contact Nuala McAloon, RNLI Regional Communications Manager on 087 648 3547 or email [email protected] or Niamh Stephenson, RNLI Regional Communications Lead on 087 1254 124 or [email protected]

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,700 lives.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.