Water Safety

Vital Water Safety Advice

Ireland is blessed with some of the most beautiful swimming locations in the world. This advice is designed to teach children and adults important water safety messages vital to these open-water environments. The rules of water safety may seem familiar, however people often take them for granted and risk their lives if not adhered to.

Donegal County Council employs 36 Beach Lifeguards at 13 beaches throughout the county namely Shroove, Culdaff, Lisfannon, Rathmullan, Portsalon, Downings, Marblehill, Killahoey, Carrickfin, Narin, Fintra, Murvagh, and Rossnowlagh, while Bundoran Town Council employ Beach Lifeguards at the main beach in the town.

Beach Lifeguard Flags

Know the flags used by Beach Lifeguards.

Red flag means No swimming.

Red and Yellow flag means it's safe to swim.

No flag means there is No Lifeguard

Always swim between the Red and Yellow flags.

Swimming at a lifeguarded beach means you can swim safely knowing that a trained lifesaver is close by.

General Advice for the Water

Wear a Personal Flotation Device such as a Lifejacket. See the lifejacket checklist below for more information. Find out what device suits your needs at www.iws.ie.

· Avoid unsupervised areas. Whenever possible, swim in an area that has a lifeguard. Irish Water Safety has details of all lifeguarded waterways nationwide.

· Stay vigilant. The picture-postcard scenes at venues abroad can often mask hidden dangers. Some beaches may not be guarded.

· Learn swimming and lifesaving. Irish Water Safety has swimming and lifesaving classes for children and adults.

· Take lessons when you try a new water sport. Start your lessons, if they're available, before your trip. Be sure you tell a responsible adult, where you plan to go.

· Never go alone. You'll be safer and have more fun if you pair up with another adult for water sports. If one of you gets into trouble, the other can help - and call for additional help if necessary. Always wear a Personal Flotation Device.

· Watch for changing weather. Be prepared to get out of the water and take cover if the skies look threatening.

· Avoid alcohol. Water sports and alcohol don't mix. Tragically, alcohol is often a factor in adult deaths from drowning or injuries incurred in the water. Alcohol impairs judgment, balance and coordination - all essential for swimming and boating well and avoiding hazards in the water.

· Watch children constantly. Children are irresistibly attracted to water. Take the time to protect your children from the dangers of water.

Learn Irish Water Safety’s 14 Tips for Safe Swimming

Top 14 Tips for Safe Swimming

1. Don't swim alone

2. Don't swim just after eating

3. Don't swim when you're hot or tired

4. Don't swim in strange places

5. Don't swim out after anything drifting

6. Don't stay in the water too long

7. Don't swim out to sea

8. Swim parallel and close to the shore

9. Do what the lifeguard tells you

10. Never use inflatable toys

11. Pay attention to signs on the beach

12. Don't be a bully

13. Learn to use equipment before trying it out.

14. Learn Basic life Support.

Lifejackets Checklist

· Visually Check all lifejackets and buoyancy aids for the following deficiencies:

· Ensure CO2 Cartridges have not been punctured and are secured firmly

· Ensure all zips, buckles, fasteners and webbing straps are functioning correctly and adjusted to fit the user

· Check that their lights, if fitted are operating correctly

· Ensure that Automatic Inflation devices if fitted are fully serviced and in date

· Check that the valve or lifejacket is not leaking by inflating the lifejacket overnight

· Discard any faulty lifejackets by destroying them

In Marine Emergencies, call 999 or 112 and ask for Marine Rescue.

Water-related tragedies happen in the blink of an eye and it is a tragedy that an average of 160 lives are lost to drowning each year. Make sure you return safely to shore - and ultimately back home - by playing it safe.