With Storm Bram set to bring strong winds, heavy rain, and dangerous coastal and inland water conditions, Water Safety Ireland is urging the public to exercise extreme caution near all bodies of water.
The organisation advises avoiding coastal areas, rivers, lakes, and flood-prone zones, as storm conditions can create powerful waves, sudden surges, fast-flowing currents, and rapidly rising water levels. Areas usually considered safe, such as coastal paths, piers, harbours, riverbanks, and inland waterways, can quickly become treacherous.
Water Safety Ireland is asking the public to prioritise safety and avoid putting themselves or emergency responders at risk.
Children should be supervised and pets should be kept well away from open water and flood-prone areas. People should never attempt to drive, cycle, or walk through flooded roads or paths. Boats and watercrafts should be secured to prevent damage or drifting. Everyone should follow updates from Met Éireann, the Irish Coast Guard, and local authorities.
Finally, by following Water Safety Ireland’s S.A.F.E. rule, Stay Away From Edges, you can protect yourself and your family.
Full Statement:
With Storm Bram forecast to bring strong winds, heavy rainfall, and dangerous coastal and inland water conditions to parts of Ireland, Water Safety Ireland is urging the public to exercise extreme caution near all bodies of water over the coming days.
On Monday 8 December 2025 Met Eireann placed 11 counties under a Status Orange wind warning ahead of Storm Bram, which is expected to bring gusts of up to 120 km/h in parts of the west and south tomorrow.
A Status Orange wind warning for Cork, Kerry, Waterford and Wexford will come into effect from 7am to 3pm on Tuesday 9th December. A separate Orange warning is in place for Clare, Limerick, Donegal, Galway, Leitrim, Mayo and Sligo from 10am to 6pm on Tuesday. Met Éireann has also issued a Status Yellow rain warning for Carlow, Kilkenny, Wexford, Cork, Kerry, Tipperary and Waterford.
The organisation is advising the public to avoid coastal areas, rivers, lakes, and flood-prone zones as conditions deteriorate, with risks including powerful waves, sudden surges, fast-flowing currents, and rapidly rising water levels.
Public Strongly Urged to Stay Safe by Staying Away from All Waterways During Dangerous Conditions
Storm conditions significantly increase the danger in areas that are typically considered safe. Coastal paths, piers, harbours, riverbanks, and inland waterways can become treacherous in stormy conditions. Water Safety Ireland is appealing to the public to prioritise safety and avoid putting themselves, or emergency responders, at unnecessary risk.
Key Safety Advice:
•Avoid walking near coastlines, piers, harbours, cliffs, or riverbanks during stormy conditions.
•Do not engage in water-based activities such as swimming, surfing, kayaking, paddleboarding, or boating during weather alerts.
•Supervise children and keep pets well away from open water and flood-prone areas.
•Never attempt to drive, cycle, or walk through flooded roads or paths.
•Secure boats and watercraft to prevent damage, drifting, or detachment.
•Follow official weather and safety updates from Met Éireann, the Irish Coast Guard, and local authorities.
Statement from Water Safety Ireland
CEO of Water Safety Ireland, Joanne Walsh:
“Storm Bram will bring very challenging and dangerous conditions to coastal and inland areas. We are asking everyone to be extra vigilant and to respect the power of the water during this time. Simple choices like avoiding high-risk areas and staying informed can save lives.”
While Ireland’s waterways are a treasured part of our landscape, storms bring heightened risks that require extra caution. By following Water Safety Ireland’s S.A.F.E. rule, Stay Away From Edges, you can protect yourself and your family.
Remember: No view or experience is worth risking your life.
Stay Safe, Stay Home.
