Youghal RNLI shares key water safety advice ahead of Summer

Youghal RNLI’s Community Safety team will be running a number of events throughout the summer and are inviting individuals and groups to get in touch if they would like the team to speak to them.

Mick Walsh, Youghal RNLI’s volunteer Community Safety Officer said while the RNLI wants people to have a fun and enjoyable summer, the charity also wants people to do that with safety in mind.

‘Whether you are a swimmer, a water-sports enthusiast, an angler, a boater or just enjoy walking on the beach, it is important for you to understand that there are risks involved with all water and water-side activities. It doesn’t matter what your activity might be, or how many times you’ve done it, accidents can happen. Part of our role is to help educate and share our knowledge with the public. We want to talk to people, to help them understand the risks better and to listen to their experiences’.

Mick Walsh said the RNLI has lots of safety advice on how to respect the water: ‘Most people who end up in trouble at the coast didn’t intend being in the water so it’s important to know what do to if you do get into difficulty and end up in cold water. The RNLI’s national drowning prevention campaign is called Respect The Water and lots of information can be found on the dedicated site www.respectthewater.com including how to float should you get into difficulty.

‘We want people to learn and remember simple messages such as how to call for help. Dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard if you or someone you see is in trouble. We can help people choose the best communication device for their activity. We also want people to wear a lifejacket or floatation device when on the water. Again we can help you choose the right personal flotation device (PFD) for your activity. We will also show you how to take care of your PFD properly.’

To get in touch with Youghal RNLI’s Community Safety Team, you can contact Mick…at [email protected]. You can also keep an eye on Youghal RNLI’s Facebook page for more information detailing the RNLI’s Respect the Water campaign which launches later this month and to find out when the Community Safety team is active.

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RNLI media contacts

For more information please telephone Lou Stepney-Power, Youghal RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 0868930572 or [email protected] or Nuala McAloon, Regional Media Officer on 0876483547 or [email protected] or Niamh Stephenson, Regional Media Manager on 0871254124 or [email protected]

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI charity 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 146,000 lives.

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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.