St Brigid’s Bank holiday weekend joint water safety appeal
Following a period of poor weather, storms and heavy rainfall, the Irish Coast Guard, Water Safety Ireland and the RNLI are reminding the public that checking weather and sea conditions is a critical first step before any coastal or water-based activity.
Strong winds this weekend are expected to lead to very rough sea states and large swells, making coastal conditions particularly dangerous.
Storm waters and rising sea levels can quickly cut people off from safety or allow waves to reach places that are normally dry, leaving little or no time to escape. Keeping safe around water is everyone’s responsibility and staying back from the water’s edge can prevent a tragedy.
Remember too that the edges of waterside pathways may have been damaged in storms and may be unstable.
Year-round swimming and dipping are increasingly popular. Wind conditions can affect waves and swell, create rip currents and poor visibility, and increase cold exposure. Strong winds make open water riskier, even if the sky is clear. Because water conditions can shift quickly, a calm morning can turn dangerous by afternoon. If the water looks rough, murky, or unpredictable, it may not be safe to enter, so err on the side of caution and do not get in.
If swimming at this time of year, remember:
- Water temperatures are still cold - wear a wetsuit, brightly coloured swimming cap, and gloves to stay warm
- Acclimatise slowly and use a tow float to increase visibility.
- Never swim alone and always ensure that a colleague is monitoring your activity.
For the most up to date information on weather and conditions, always check local forecasts to keep informed.
If you see somebody in trouble on the water or along the coast or think they are in trouble; Dial 112 or 999 or use VHF radio CH 16 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]
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.