Coast Guard, RNLI and Water Safety Ireland Unite to Turn the Tide

July 2026 is on course to be one of the busiest months in many years, with record levels of activity and numerous call outs for teams on the coast and on inland waterways.

The theme for World Drowning Prevention Day 2026 is ‘Unite to turn the tide’ with a call on every sector and every level of society to unite to reduce drowning by 35% by 2035.

To date this year, 37 people have lost their lives in Irish waters, with each tragedy leaving a devastating and lasting impact on families, friends and communities.

Recent warm weather has brought significantly more people to Ireland’s beaches, rivers, lakes and coastline, leading to a sharp increase in demand for Coast Guard services and lifeguard interventions. So far this year, the Coast Guard has coordinated more than 1,700 incidents, resulting in 385 lives saved and over 1,600 people assisted. The scale of demand is reflected in the second week of July alone, when the Coast Guard coordinated 140 incidents, one of the highest incident totals recorded in a single week.

As the organisations reflect on an exceptionally busy summer period, they are urging everyone planning activities on or near the water to be prepared, understand the risks, and take simple steps to help ensure that everyone returns home safely.

If you are taking part in activities on or near the water, remember to:

• Check weather forecasts and tide times before heading out.
• If walking along the shoreline, remain alert to rising tides, which can quickly lead to stranding
• Choose lifeguarded beaches where possible, always swim with others, and stay within your depth
• Be aware of rip currents, which can rapidly carry even strong swimmers away from shore
• Warm weather does not mean safe water. Cold water can cause cold-water shock, significantly increasing the risk of drowning. Enter the water slowly to allow your body to adjust
• Ensure children are kept under constant, uninterrupted supervision near water.
• Avoid alcohol before swimming, operating watercraft, or spending time near the water
• Always wear a lifejacket or buoyancy aid when participating in activities on the water
• Pay attention to all water safety signs, flags and local warnings
• Tell someone ashore about your plans and expected return time
• Always carry a means of calling for help, such as a fully charged mobile phone or a marine VHF radio.

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.

Ends

Notes to Editors

• World Drowning Prevention Day is observed annually on 25 July and aims to raise awareness of drowning prevention and promote lifesaving interventions. This year’s theme is ‘Unite to turn the tide’ on World Drownings.
• Figures as of 22 July 2026
• IRCG has coordinated 1,728 incidents (2026 YTD) vs 1,557 for same period in 2025, resulting in 385 lives saved, 1617 people assisted
• 140 incidents coordinated by the Irish Coast Guard second week of July, resulting in 20 lives saved, 197 people assisted. 43 incidents on Sunday 12 July.
• More than 25% increase in incidents July 2026 to date vs same period 2025

RNLI Media Contacts

For further information, please contact:

Nuala McAloon, RNLI Regional Communications Manager at [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.

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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.