Joint water safety plea ahead of St. Patrick’s Day
As communities across the country prepare to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, the Irish Coast Guard, Water Safety Ireland, and the RNLI are issuing a joint appeal urging the public to stay safe in, on, or near the water.
Recent national data* shows that 65% of accidental drownings were preceded by land‑based activities, including walking, angling, and hiking.
With footfall expected to increase around the coast, rivers, and lakes ahead of St Patrick’s Day, all three organisations are asking people to prioritise water safety when making plans.
With many parades, events, and increased traffic around coastal roads, harbours, riversides, and canals, the organisations are also asking motorists to avoid parking too close to water as tides can rise quickly and storm surges or wakes from passing vessels may flood areas unexpectedly.
Key water safety advice ahead of St. Patrick’s Day
- Never mix alcohol with water activities, or when walking near water
- Check weather conditions and tide times before heading out. Sudden changes and high tides can create hazardous conditions and may leave walkers stranded
- Carry a reliable means of communication, such as a fully charged mobile phone, VHF radio, or Personal Locator Beacon (PLB).
- Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return
- Wear a suitable Personal Flotation Device (PFD) for any water-based activity, including shoreline angling
- Stay well back from edges during cliff and coastal walks and be mindful of erosion or storm related changes to paths.
If you see somebody in trouble on the water or along the coast or think that they are in trouble, use Marine VHF Ch 16 or dial 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.
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Note to Editor
*Water Safety Ireland drowning data analysis: https://watersafety.ie/statistics/ section: 2019 to 2023
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.
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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
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