Irish Coast Guard & RNLI issue festive safety message

 

The Irish Coast Guard and the RNLI are calling on the public to pay particular attention to their personal safety when engaging in any water based or coastal activities over the Christmas and New Year period.
The two organisations have also issued a joint thank you to their nationwide search and rescue teams for their work during the past twelve months and paid tribute to the men and women who keep our waters and coastal areas safe.
For Christmas and New Year swims the safety message advises swimmers to never swim alone, try and take part in an organised swim with safety cover nearby, check weather and tides before you set out and always swim parallel to the shore and not straight out.
Coastal walkers are advised to stay back – stay high – stay dry and avoid any unfamiliar routes. It is also advided that pets are kept under control in case they get into difficuly and cause risk to owners.
For leisure boaters or small fishing boat operators, it is advised they carry a suitable means to call for help such as a mobile phone, vhf radio or personal locator beacon. And if engaging in any boating activities wear an appropriate personal flotation device.
Anyone engaging with coastal activities is asked to always check the weather and pay attention to any warning that come.