The public is being urged to heed water safety advice on what is World Drowning Prevention Day.
The Government and the Irish Coast Guard are supporting the Irish Water Safety campaign, which asks the public to learn at least one water safety skill.
The campaign asks people to 'Do One Thing' such as: learn one water safety skill, share one piece of water safety advice, change one mind around water safety or be the one who takes responsibility for water safety.
Minister of State at the Department of Transport Hildegarde Naughton said that while 40% of Ireland's population lives within 5 kilometres of the coast, the majority of drownings happen inland.
She said: "Drownings often happen quickly and silently with 80% of drownings occurring within the home county of the victim."
The minister said: "Too many people have suffered from the personal tragedy of lives lost owing to drowning accidents. We all have a role to play be it on the water or on the coast in practising some basic safety measures."
To date in 2022, the Coast Guard has coordinated the response to 1,500 incidents, while the Volunteer Coast Guard and RNLI units have been tasked to over 1,100 incidents.
The Irish Coast Guard's water safety advice includes:
If you see somebody in trouble on the water or along the coast, or think they are in trouble, dial 112 or use marine VHF radio channel 16 and ask for the Coast Guard.
Inflatable toys pose a risk on any open waters be it on the beach, rivers, lakes or other inland waterways. There is a huge risk of being swept away from the shore or falling into the water. The advice is never bring them to the beach or near, or on, any open waters.
If you are engaging in boating activity always wear a fully serviced LifeJacket or Personal Floatation Device (PFD). 'Remember NO LIFEJACKET / NO EXCUSE'.
A special appeal to swimmers – only swim in areas that are supervised by Lifeguards or in areas that you are familiar with. Always check weather and tides. Never swim alone and ensure that somebody ashore is monitoring your activity.
