Local rescue volunteers have reiterated advice for safety around rip currents following a number of incidents around the country.
There has been a renewed focus on the dangers of rip currents this week after a brother and sister tragically died while swimming off a beach in Ballybunion, north Kerry.
Rip currents are the leading surf hazard for all beachgoers and can sweep even the strongest swimmers out to sea, according to Water Safety Ireland.
Lough Swilly RNLI have shared advice to ‘Float to Live’.
People who find themselves struggling in the water unexpectedly are advised to fight the instinct to swim hard. Cold water shock can make people gasp uncontrollably, breathe in water and drown. Instead, swimmers should lean back, extend arms and legs, float and try to control their breathing.
A Lough Swilly RNLI spokesperson said: “We have had quite a few incidents of people getting caught in rips currents around our beautiful coast over the last 10 days, unfortunately some of them didn’t survive. Please listen to the safety messages from Water Safety Ireland and the RNLI.”
Water Safety Ireland’s top three tips to stay safe around rip currents:
1. Swim between the red and yellow flags. Red and yellow means its safe to swim.
2. If you find yourself caught in a rip current, remain calm, swim parallel to the beach. This will get you out of the rip current and you will be able to swim in.
3. If you can’t do this, raise your arm and a lifeguard will be there to assist you.
If you see somebody in trouble in the water, do not go in: SHOUT – REACH – THROW
a. SHOUT to calm, encourage and orientate them;
b. REACH with anything that prevents you from entering the water (clothing/stick);
c. THROW a ringbuoy or any floating object to them.
Only Swim At Lifeguarded Waterways
