Water Safety Ireland is appealing to those enjoying St Patrick’s weekend to stay away from waterways after drinking alcohol.
Statistics released this week show that there are ten drownings every month in Ireland and alcohol is a contributory factor to one-third of them.
There are a number of naturally occurring events this weekend that will make the tides higher and more dangerous for swimmers.
A full moon is due on Friday, which makes the coastline more precarious due to the resulting tides - which poses a high risk of being washed into the sea or being dragged away by a rip current.
The public is also warned not to venture further from the shore when the tide is lower because it may cause a greater risk of being stranded by fast, incoming tides.
Make sure to check tide times before going on a walk and always carry a fully charged phone to dial 112 in an emergency.
Those boating and angling are cautioned that their decisions, even the next day, can be significantly impaired by alcohol.
A lifejacket that has a correctly fitting crotch strap should always be worn on water and when angling from shore.
Most drownings occur in inland waterways where water temperatures are still cold. Winter weather can often undermine ordinarily familiar walkways.
Falling into the water at this time of year can result in cold shock and hypothermia which can quickly lead to the cooling of muscles, incapacitation, and drowning.
Cold shock and hypothermia are also risks faced by open water swimmers who should keep swims short and warm up quickly afterward.
