People urged to be water safety conscious

There's been good weather across Cavan over recent weeks.

Locals are being urged to take care if heading out on the water over the May bank holiday weekend.

Cavan County Council, in conjunction with the RNLI, Water Safety Ireland and the Coast Guard, has issued an appeal for people to stay safe and heed safety advice.

“There has been a seasonable increase in the overall number of search and rescue incidents with activity levels similar to recent years”, it says.

The organisations are drawing particular attention to the need for people involved in sea kayaking and similar activities, to receive proper training before going on the water. They also say people should carry a reliable means of calling for help and to tell someone where you are going and what time you will be back.

We may have had a relatively good spell of weather in Cavan over recent weeks but water temperatures remain cold and we’re being reminded that cold water shock can affect everyone.

If heading out on the water or visiting the coast:

Always check the weather and tides

Carry a reliable means of raising the alarm (i.e. VHF radio or phone)

Tell someone where you are going and what time you will be back

Wear a suitable Personal Flotation Device on the water

Watch out for incoming tides to avoid getting cut off. With High Tides ranging from midday to early evening depending on the part of the coast, it is important that people check before walking along the coast.

If you are swimming:

Water temperatures are still cold at this time of the year, consider wearing a wetsuit to stay warm

Acclimatise slowly

Wear a bright swimming cap and consider a tow float to increase your visibility

Never swim alone and always ensure that your activity is being monitored by a colleague

If you see somebody in trouble on the water or along the coast, or think they are in trouble; Dial 999 or 112 or use VHF radio CH 16 and ask for the Coast Guard.