What to do if you get into difficulty in water after rise in number of people drowning in Ireland

Experts have issued advice on how swimmers can stay alive if they get into trouble in the water after seven drownings in Irish waters in the last week and a half.

Authorities have also issued warnings about taking a dip to cool off in scorching temperatures.

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution has said that if anyone finds themselves in trouble while taking a dip they should float on their back and try to relax.

A combination of cold water and panic can leave swimmers in trouble when they enter open water on a hot day.

Open water swimming safety tips

• Get to know where you are swimming and check the condition before going in.
• Make sure you are properly equipped.
• Beware of the cold.
• Make sure someone knows where you have gone and why, and that you have the means to call for help, especially in remote locations.
• Take note of local safety advice and respect the countryside, landowners and other users.

Locations to be particularly cautious about include:

• quarries and reservoirs, which can be deceptively deep and cold throughout the year.
• rivers with features such as weirs and fast flowing water.
• potentially polluted locations near to rainwater run-offs, livestock and estuarial waters.

RNLI Water Safety Manager Sam Johnson offered advice to those taking a trip to the beach.

He said: "Our main advice is to visit a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags.

"Children should be supervised at all times and people of all ages should avoid swimming alone.

"We want people to enjoy the coast but urge everyone to respect the water, think about their own safety and know what to do in an emergency."

Fun at Salthill Village at the Blackrock tower during the sunny weather in Galway Bay (Andrew Downes/xposure)

It comes after a man died after being pulled from the water at a popular beach in Co Waterford.

The tragic incident happened at Tramore beach on Sunday evening.

It was the sixth drowning in the last 10 days in Irish waters.

Gardai and other emergency services rushed to the scene at around 5.30pm.

A man in his 60s was rescued from the water and brought to Waterford Regional Hospital.

However he was pronounced dead after arriving at the hospital.

A post mortem is expected to take place in the coming days and gardai investigations are still ongoing.