Water safety warning to people visiting Mayo coastal communities

With Mayo set to celebrate the St Brigid's Bank Holiday Weekend, the Irish Coast Guard, RNLI and Water Safety Ireland have issued a joint water safety appeal, asking people to stay safe when in, near or on the water.

Hundreds of people are set to descend on Mayo's scenic coastal communities this weekend with many people expected to tip their toes in the water despite the cold temperatures.

The Irish Coast Guard, along with the RNLI and Water Safety Ireland wish to remind people who are going out on the water this weekend that water and air temperatures are relatively cold this time of the year and that hypothermia can set in quickly when sea swimming or coastal walking.

Water temperatures are still cold, meaning cold water shock and hypothermia are risks that can affect everyone. To avoid this during swims, people should acclimatise to the water slowly to get used to the cold and warm up quickly upon exiting the water.

The three organisations advise everyone intending to take part in any water-based activity or coastal walks to make sure they check in advance what they should do to keep safe.

“It is important to plan activities carefully this time of the year given that the weather conditions can be cold and changeable, for guidance on water safety planning, people should consult the safety on the water website at gov.ie,” said Gerard O’Flynn, Coast Guard Head of Operations.

Roger Sweeney, Water Safety Ireland’s Deputy CEO, added: “Winter storms have damaged many waterside walking routes that were considered familiar and safe but may now be hazardous. Erosion underfoot is not always obvious until it is too late. Tell children in your care that to stay safe is to stay away from edges. Use walkways that have public rescue equipment such as ringbuoys in bright yellow boxes. Report missing or vandalised ring buoys at www.ringbuoys.ie, as a stolen ringbuoy could mean a stolen life.”

Linda-Gene Byrne, RNLI Regional Water Safety Lead added: “If you find yourself struggling in the water unexpectedly, your instinct will tell you to swim hard. But cold-water shock can make you gasp uncontrollably. Then you can breathe in water and drown. Instead, you should float to live.

“The best way to float is to tilt your head back with your ears submerged. Try to relax and breathe normally. You can gently move your hands to help you stay afloat if you need to. Spread your arms and legs out to improve stability – and it's OK if your legs sink, we all float differently. Once your breathing is under control, call for help or swim to safety.”

People heading out on the water or visiting the coast have been advised to never mix alcohol with water activities and always check the weather and tides. They should also tell someone where you are going and what time you will be back and have a fully charged mobile phone.

Water temperatures are still cold at this time of the year, and anyone going into the sea should consider wearing a wetsuit to stay warm, never swim alone and always ensure that your activity is being monitored by a colleague.