Stay back, stay high and stay dry - RNLI

IRISH Coast Guard and RNLI urge people to Respect the Water and stay safe over the festive season

The Irish Coast Guard and the RNLI have issued a joint safety message for the festive season to remind people to stay safe when they are in or near the water over the holiday period and to remember some basic safety advice, to use if they see someone in trouble or get into difficulty themselves.

Gerard O’Flynn Coast Guard Operations Manager said: “Many people will be engaging in outdoor activities along the coastline between Christmas and the New Year. The simple safety message is; Stay Back, Stay High, Stay Dry.

“New Year swims are a popular pursuit and we would urged the public to only participate in organised swims where medical support and lifeguards are available.” The three Coast Guard Rescue Coordination Centres based in Malin, Valentia and Dublin, along with the Coast Guard Helicopter service and Coast Guard Volunteer units will remain operational over the holiday period.

“We remind the public that if you see anybody in danger at sea, on the coast or on cliffs to call the Coast Guard on 112.”