Laois safety expert issues warning to water activity enthusiasts this Bank Holiday

A Laois water safety expert has issued a warning to water activity enthusiasts ahead of the Bank Holiday weekend. 

The Irish Coast Guard, RNLI and Water Safety Ireland are among the organisations appealing for people to take care when they are on or near the water.

The public are encouraged to ‘Always Think Water Safety’ by planning and preparing before venturing on or near the water.

Water Safety Lead for the RNLI, Linda-Gene Byrne, who is from Killenard, said, "Paddleboarding, kayaking and canoeing are increasingly popular, especially during the summer months and the RNLI has seen an increase in our lifeboats going to the aid of people involved in these activities over the past few years.

"It’s important to be aware of some simple safety advice which could save your life. If you are heading out on the water, we would always advise you to wear a suitable personal flotation device for your activity. If you are on a paddleboard, choose the right releasable leash for the location you are paddling.

"Always check the weather forecast and tide times as this can affect your paddling and always tell someone where you’re going and when you’ll be back. Keep a means of calling for help attached to you in a waterproof pouch or close to hand so that in an emergency you can call 999 / 112 and ask for the Coast Guard." 

Her comments come following "an increase in the number of incidents this summer involving paddleboarders, persons becoming stranded due to incoming tides, recreational boater groundings and several diving incidents". 

That's according to the Operations Manager with the Irish Coast Guard, Kevin Whitney. 

He said, "Remember to have the right equipment for the activity you are about to undertake such as a correctly fitting Personal Flotation Device (PFD), and to let someone ashore know where you are going and when you will return, and most importantly, to have a means to call for help such as a marine VHF Radio, fully charged mobile phone, or Personal Locator Beacon.

"Ensure you plan for the event you are about to undertake and are familiar with all your safety equipment before venturing out. This will allow you to use this equipment in a hurry should the need arise.

"If participating in any diving activities, then it is highly recommended that you file a float plan with someone ashore or the Coast Guard so that emergency services are aware of your location and can assist if need be." 

Water Safety Ireland’s CEO, Joanne Walsh, said, "Rip currents can be a danger at Ireland’s beaches and swimmers are advised to know what to do if they encounter one. Rip currents are not always easy to spot and the best way to remain safe is to swim between the red and yellow flags at lifeguarded waterways. 

"Lifeguards are trained to identify when and where it is safe to swim. If you do get caught in a rip current, remain calm and don’t try to swim against the current. Instead, swim out of the current in a direction parallel to the shoreline and then back towards shore. If still in difficulty, call for help and float on your back like a starfish." 

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.