Beach Safety
For most people summer means days at beach, enjoying the sun and sand. By following very easy tips, you can have a safe and happy time at beach
- Learn to swim
- Swim near a lifeguard
- Swim with a buddy
- Check with the lifeguards
- Use sunscreen and drink water
- Obey posted signs and flags
- Keep the beach and water clean
- Learn rip current safety
- Enter water feet first
- Wear a life jacket
Coastal Walking
There is nothing quite like walking to get you away from all the hustle and bustle. Fresh air, open surroundings and exhilarating views! Plus, it’s a great form of exercise to keep healthy and improve your fitness.
Walking close to water along Ireland’s shores presents its own challenges and should never be underestimated. If you intend to walk on your own or as part of a walking group, we can all take steps to stay safe. Follow our handy tips for both inexperienced and advanced walkers and you will be set to go.
Guidelines For Sauna Operators & Users
ALWAYS SEEK MEDICAL ADVICE FROM YOUR DOCTOR
PRIOR TO USING A SAUNA
How To Use A Ringbuoy
- Stand back from the edge and establish voice contact with the person, shouting ‘Kick your legs!’
- Look for the nearest ringbuoy (Yellow Box).
- Stand on the end of the rope.
- Holding the ringbuoy, swing back, then release forward with an under-arm throw, shouting: ‘Ringbuoy! Ringbuoy! Ringbuoy!’
- Aim to land the ringbuoy beyond the person, so that the ringbuoy can be pulled into their grasp.
- Instruct the person to hold the ringbuoy. Slowly pull them to land, reassuring them.
- Get others to help you.
Rip Current Safety
As waves travel from deep to shallow water, they will break near the shoreline. When waves break strongly in some locations and weakly in others, this can cause circulation cells which are seen as rip currents: narrow, fast-moving belts of water traveling offshore.
Rip currents are the leading surf hazard for all beachgoers. They are particularly dangerous for weak or non-swimmers. Rip current speeds are typically 1-2 Kmph. However, speeds as high as 8 Kmph have been measured. Thus, rip currents can sweep even the strongest swimmer out to sea.
Rip currents can occur at any surf beach with breaking waves.
Safe Swimming Tips
Swimming is a lot of fun, but drowning is a real danger. Even kids who know how to swim can drown, so let’s find out how to stay safe in the water. First learn swimming then try it and if you are at early stage of learning, use a floating device. Alway go swimming with a buddy and check the depth and the temperature of the water. Never chew gum or eat while you are swimming. Do not swim in the dark and stop swimming as soon as you see or hear storm. Do not swallow the water and have shower after swimming. Do not push or jump into the water. And always check the signs and be sure lifeguards are close.
Venomous Weever Fish
Swimmers, surfers and all beach users need to be vigilant of the little sandy coloured fish that lives in the sea on our beaches. It spends most of the time buried under the sand with just its venomous black dorsal fins showing above the sandy bottom. It grows to a maximum length of 15 cm. They are found all round the Irish coast but mainly in sandy areas where the water is shallow. The public are most at risk close to the mean low water spring tides. This occurs when you have a new moon or a full moon. This causes swimmers, walkers and surfers to venture further out on the beach in to the area where the weever fish live.
If you see someone in trouble in the water, Act Fast.
What To Do In A Crisis
Sometimes people can end up in dangerous water situations, completely unaware. From our rivers to our roads and everything in between water safety emergencies can crop up just about anywhere. For some, by the time they realise the gravity of the circumstances it can be too late. However, it is important not to panic. In many situations there are actions you can take to remove the risks. Check out our helpful guides to ensure the safety of you and those around you.