Heat Wave masks the danger of cold water this Easter

Wednesday, 27th April 2011

Our unseasonaly warm weather presents a simple danger this weekend, the cold water that many will enjoy. Cold is the greatest causation of drowning in Ireland, sea water temperatures are approximately 10° Centigrade and fresh water is colder than this.

The CEO of Irish Water Safety, John Leech, has today warned about the increased risk of water related accidents and tragedies this weekend, thousands of marine leisure enthusiasts will take to our waters this weekend to enjoy our unique waterways. Complacency has been a factor in many Bank Holiday drownings. The public must take steps, including wearing a lifejacket to avoid becoming a drowning statistic. On average, twelve drownings occur in Ireland every month. We have lost too many people this year already, mainly because people did not wear a lifejacket.

Swimming, diving, angling, canoeing, surfing, windsurfing and kite surfing are popular holiday activities, ensure that you are adequately trained to undertake them and don't over face yourself early in the season.

Children are fascinated and attracted to water, it is critical that adults supervise children at all times around water, particularly children visiting farms where slurry tanks and open water is often unprotected.

Alcohol is a contributory factor in almost 30% of drownings, therefore I ask the public not to drink near water this weekend.

If you have not used your lifejacket or buoyancy since last year then you will need to carry out the following checks.

Visually Check all lifejackets and buoyancy aids for the following deficiencies:
- Ensure CO2 Cartridges have not been punctured
- Ensure all zips, buckles, fasteners and webbing straps are functioning correctly
- Check that fitted lights are operating correctly
- Check that the valve or lifejacket is not leaking by inflating the lifejacket overnight or immersing it in water checking for air bubbles
- Discard any faulty lifejackets by destroying them
- Always use your crotch strap when fitting your lifejacket

Detailed information on PFD's at MailScanner has detected a possible fraud attempt from "r20.rs6.net" claiming to be http://www.iws.ie/guides-page24421.html

If you are in distress or in doubt of somebody's safety, then call 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.

For water safety information for children MailScanner has detected a possible fraud attempt from "r20.rs6.net" claiming to be http://www.aquaattack.ie

To report missing ringbuoy's MailScanner has detected a possible fraud attempt from "r20.rs6.net" claiming to be http://www.ringbuoys.ie

For more information and details of water safety classes in your area log on to MailScanner has detected a possible fraud attempt from "r20.rs6.net" claiming to be http://www.iws.ie or LoCall Irish Water Safety on 1890 420 202.