The Lough Swilly RNLI branch has issued cold water swimming advice to those who take to the seas for a dip at this time of the year.
The statement comes just days after two swimmers went missing in Galway Bay on Tuesday. One body, of a man (74), has been recovered while a search is ongoing for a woman who is in her thirties.
“Cold water swimming has become increasingly popular, but at this time of year the risks can increase, so follow and share our top tips to help you and others keep safe this winter,” an RNLI spokesperson said.
Don’t swim alone and tell someone on the shore where you are going and when you will be back. They can call for help if you are overdue.
Check the tides and weather before entering the water, paying close attention to the wind direction, wind strength and any surf forecast.
Do not swim if weather warnings are in effect. Assess the conditions. If the water is too rough, don’t swim, know your limits.
Don’t swim on the clock – just because you swim at 9am every day, doesn’t mean the sea will be safe every day at that time. If it doesn’t look right or you don’t feel right, don’t get in.
Swim at a lifeguarded beach between the red and yellow flags, but where there are no lifeguards, have a plan on where you can enter and exit the water safely and look for information or local signage that may tell you more about any hazards that exist at your swimming spot.
Know how to spot rip currents and what to do if you get caught in one.
Always take a means of calling for help with you, such as a fully charged mobile phone in a waterproof pouch and a pealess whistle to attract attention.
Wear a wetsuit and consider wetsuit gloves and boots too. Also wear a brightly coloured swimming hat and use a tow float with your name, phone number and your ‘ICE – In Case of Emergency’ phone number written on the tow float.
Enter the water slowly and acclimatise by splashing the cold water on your neck and face.
Once you are in the water, stay within your depths and swim parallel to the shore.
When you exit the water, get changed quickly and make sure you have plenty of warm clothes and a warm drink for after your swim.
Check out our website – rnli.org/safety for more great tips on how to enjoy your cold water swimming safely.
