The Irish Coast Guard is advising people who are planning to go out on the water or partake in watersports this Bank Holiday weekend. ‘Keep it safe’, is the message from Eamon Torpay, Search and Rescue Operations Manager of the Coast Guard. As many people are preparing to enjoy water activities over the weekend, it is vitally important that they take the necessary safety precautions. By wearing an approved, properly serviced Personal Flotation Device (PDF) or lifejacket and taking other sensible safety measures, a person could be saving his or her life.

The Coast Guard advise:

• Let someone ashore know if you are going out on the water, what time you are going and what time you plan to return.
• Check your craft and its equipment beforehand - if you find a fault, do not use it.
• Carry a means of raising the alarm, should you get into difficulty.
• Check the weather and tides - if they are unsuitable, do not take the risk.
• Do not exceed your own capabilities or that of your craft.
• Be considerate of other water users.
• Wear appropriate thermal protection.
• Do not take inflatable airbeds or other such devices to open water. Offshore winds are extremely dangerous.
• Parents, watch out for children near the water and, do not let them burrow into sand dunes as they can collapse without any warning.
• Do not climb on sea cliffs.
• If you see someone in difficulty in the water (sea, river or lake) or on the cliffs, diall 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard - do not assume someone else has made the call.
• NEVER MIX ALCOHOL WITH WATER ACTIVITY.

For more useful information on safety on the water, check the website www.safetyonthewater.ie

Posted by Area Officer on Friday, May 4th, 2007 at 11:57 am.