Swimmers get safety tips as risk of drowning during summer set to soar

SWIMMERS have been urged to stay vigilant in the water as the risk of drowning is expected to skyrocket during the summer months.

The warning highlighted the fact that an average of five people drown in Ireland each fortnight, and comes as a joint plea from Irish Water Safety, The Irish Coast Guard and the Royal National Lifeboat Institution. In a bid to curb the annual average of drowning deaths – which sits at 127 – the organisations have compiled ways for swimmers to stay safe as the country continues to swelter.

Traditionally, the number of drownings spike in the summer months due to the increased number of casual swimmers frequenting the nation’s waterways, according to Irish Water Safety.

And the newly released list implores swimmers to stay within their depth, wear a life-jacket when boating or fishing and pay close attention to children in the water. Those who see someone in difficulty are also urged to follow three rescue steps: shout and encourage the swimmer to shore, reach them with a long object such as a branch, or throw a buoy or any floating object.

However, would-be rescuers are urged not to enter the water themselves as it may put both parties at a risk of drowning. Interestingly, inflatable toys were also deemed considerably hazardous and should ‘never, never’ be used in open water, according to the authorities.

It follows a horror summer in the nation’s waters so far, with 15 people drowning during a two-week period over late May and and early June.

Included in the tragic spell were teenage friends Shay Moloney and Jack Kenneally, who drowned after getting into trouble in an Ennis quarry on May 31.