St Patrick’s Weekend Water Safety Appeal
The Irish Coast Guard, Water Safety Ireland and the RNLI highlight that 67% of accidental drownings were preceded by land-based activities, such as walking, hiking, or angling.*
Remember the following when taking part in any coastal or water-based activities:
- Avoid alcohol and drugs in or around water
- Always check the weather and tides in advance
- Tell someone where you are going and what time you will be back
- Carry a reliable means of raising the alarm (VHF radio, Personal Locator Beacon or fully charged mobile phone)
- Wear a suitable Personal Floatation Device when engaged in any water-based activity, including shoreline fishing
- Stay away from the edge during cliff walks
- Be alert to the risk of being stranded by incoming tides
Ahead of the St. Patrick’s weekend, Kevin Whitney, Head of Operations at the Irish Coast Guard said: ‘It is important that people continue to keep water safety in mind during the festivities. Whether you are on the coast or around inland waterways such as canals, take heed of the advice we are giving. Alcohol and drugs should never be mixed with water activities. If engaging in coastal walks be attentive to erosion or changes that may have occurred during recent storms and always carry a means of communication.’
If you see somebody in trouble on the water or along the coast, or think they are in trouble; Dial 112 or use VHF radio CH 16 and ask for the Coast Guard.
Ends
Note to Editor
*The 67% figure applies to drownings 2018 - 2022 (the period for which figures are finalised). For more drowning data: Statistics - Water Safety Ireland
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] or Treasa Ni Bhraonain, RNLI Communications Placement on 0874764436 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.
Learn more about the RNLI
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, 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.