Irish Water Safety is appealing to the public to swim at lifeguarded beaches if possible. There is a full moon on Tuesday 19th of July so rip currents will be more prevalent on our beaches. Five swimmers have drowned so far this year and be aware of the lion’s mane jellyfish which is being washed up on our beaches as this can cause anaphylactic shock.
Water Safety Tips
- Swim at lifeguarded waterways – listed at www.iws.ie
- Swim within your depth, parallel and close to shore
- Supervise children at all times near water – drownings can happen quickly and silently
- Never swim alone, and always swim at recognised, traditional safe bathing areas.
- Never use inflatable toys in open water or swim out after anything drifting
- Never swim in the dark or late at night
- Rivers can be dangerous – 62% of drownings occur inland with 80% of drownings occurring close to the victim’s home
- People have been paralysed and severely injured from jumping from heights
- Train for your aquatic activity at www.safetyzone.ie
- Wear a lifejacket when on the water and make sure that it has a correctly fitting crotch strap
- Almost 30% of drowned victims will have consumed alcohol – alcohol impairs judgment, balance and coordination, all essential for swimming and boating and avoiding hazards in the water
- Learn swimming and lifesaving – Irish Water Safety has swimming and lifesaving classes for children and adults
- In marine emergencies, call the emergency services and ask for the coastguard.
The lion’s mane jellyfish has been reported to us on beaches in Portmarnock, Malahide, Sutton and Bettystown.
Lifeguards ensure your safety on our beaches and will be patrolling on their surf rescue boards to ensure that they do not pose a threat to members of the public.
The Irish Water Safety CEO is also alerting the public that due to the current spell of good weather when more people will be enjoying our waters, these potentially dangerous jellyfish are likely to appear on more of our beaches in the coming weeks. The sting from these jellyfish can cause anaphylactic shock and we have had a number of people hospitalised as a result of a sting from these venomous jellyfish. The sting from their tentacles lasts many days after they have died.
Members of the public should report the sightings of these two jellyfish to the relevant local authority Water Safety Development Officer.
For those of you who will be using non-lifeguarded beaches, please download our information on jellyfish, including a photo ID card and first aid treatment of stings, on our website.
