Ireland October Bank Holiday water safety message

This October Bank Holiday weekend, the Irish Coast Guard, Water Safety Ireland and the RNLI are urging those planning coastal, inland water or outdoor activities to take extra care as storm Austen approaches. With clocks going back, daylight hours will be getting shorter, water temperatures are dropping and the weather is changing with a storm warning issued for parts of Ireland.

The warning comes as the three organisations reflect on the busiest summer on record for search and rescue incidents and thank all frontline emergency service personnel, lifeguards, rescue volunteers and rescue teams who worked tirelessly throughout a particularly demanding summer period.

Heading into the bank holiday weekend, Storm Austen is expected to bring strong winds and heavy rain to parts of Ireland, which can pose a safety risk to those visiting the coast. People should exercise caution if visiting the shoreline, especially along exposed cliffs, seafronts and piers.

Those heading out for cliff, beach and coastal walks should:

• Check weather and tide times before setting out.

• Be aware of the risk of being cut off by incoming tides.

• Keep well back from cliff edges and unstable ground.

• Carry a fully charged mobile phone and let someone know your plans.

Swimmers should avoid entering the water during stormy weather or when strong winds, waves or currents make swimming unsafe. With daylight hours shortening and the lifeguard season over, choose locally recognised safe swimming areas, avoid swimming alone and ensure you leave the water before darkness falls. As water temperatures drop, shorten your swims and be mindful of the risks of cold-water shock, hypothermia and reduced swimming ability. Wear appropriate equipment, including a wetsuit, brightly coloured swim cap and tow float.

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

RNLI Media Contacts

For further information, please contact:

Niamh Stephenson, RNLI Communications Staff Member for RNLI, [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.