May Bank Holiday water safety appeal
As the May bank holiday weekend approaches, Water Safety Ireland, the Coast Guard, and the RNLI are collectively urging the public to prioritise safety and be prepared for summer activities on or near the water.
The organisations recommend that all boats and watercraft, including kayaks and canoes, be thoroughly inspected and maintained after the winter season. This includes servicing engines and ensuring all equipment, especially lifejackets, are in good condition.
When using a boat or other water vessel:
- Always wear a lifejacket and carry reliable communication devices, such as a VHF radio and ideally a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) or Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB), with a mobile phone in a waterproof case as a backup
- Inform someone about your planned route and expected return time
For water-based activities:
- Always have a means to communicate distress effectively
- Check environmental conditions (weather and tides) using available information sources before your trip
- Seek help immediately if you see somebody in trouble on the water or along the coast, or think they are in trouble, by using Marine VHF channel 16 or dialling 112 and asking for the Coast Guard
For swimmers:
- Water temperatures remain cold at this time of year, so consider wearing a wetsuit to stay warm
- Acclimatise to the water slowly
- Wear a bright swimming cap and consider using a tow float to enhance your visibility
- Never swim alone and always ensure your activity is monitored by a companion
Linda-Gene Byrne, RNLI Water Safety Lead says: ‘It’s great to see that water and beach leisure time has increased over the years as people enjoy the water however our research shows that 36% of people don’t know what to do if they get into trouble in the water. The RNLI is reminding everyone to remember Float to Live if they find themselves in trouble in water: tilt your head back with ears submerged and try to relax and control your breathing. Use your hands to help you stay afloat and then, once you are through the initial shock, call for help or swim to safety if you can.’
If you see somebody in trouble on the water or along the coast, or think they are in trouble, use Marine VHF channel 16 or Dial 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.
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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.