The Irish Water Safety Association is warning people to take care in the water this Bank Holiday weekend.
It warns that tragedies occur because people ignore basic safety precautions.
The association has urged care this weekend as many take to the water for the first time this year.
Three people drown every week in Ireland according to the association, which bases this figure on an annual 10-year average of drownings.
What most concerns the association is the number of drownings caused by ignoring basic safety precautions.
Alcohol has been a contributory factor in approximately one-third of drownings, according to the association.
It says that not wearing lifejackets, becoming stranded on rocks, because of lack of knowledge of tides, and not taking care of children have also been other major causes of tragedy.
The message they have this weekend is; enjoy the water, but be careful.
