Everyone must prioritise water safety during heatwave this weekend – Ward

With a yellow weather warning issued for this weekend, we must all bear in mind the importance of keeping safe around our coasts and inland waterways, a Fine Gael Senator has said.

Dún Laoghaire Senator Barry Ward is calling on members of the public to remain vigilant and be mindful of advice from Water Safety Ireland. While our beaches, rivers, lakes and coves are excellent resources for a variety of recreational activities, the water can be dangerous.

Senator Ward said: “As a heatwave continues across Ireland, there is an increased demand for rescue services; the Coast Guard, the Lifeboat and other emergency services face additional pressures.

“Met Éireann have issued a high temperature advisory warning for the entire country with temperatures set to reach 30°C. Beaches and lakes around Ireland will likely be busier than ever. 

“Swimming, paddle-boarding, sailing, wind-surfing and using our marine amenities for leisure is part and parcel of good weather but we must always remember that it is easy to get into trouble in the water. We know we must protect our skin from the sun, but we must also protect ourselves and our loved ones from the dangers that can be present in and around the water.”

Senator Ward added: “Following the tragic death of a teenage boy who got into difficulty swimming in Howth this week, we must all work to ensure such tragedy does not recur anywhere in Ireland this weekend.

“We want to prevent accidents as much as possible, so that if someone gets into trouble in the water, they can quickly be given the help they need. We don’t want to see a situation where emergency services are too busy to come to the aid of swimmers, divers or boaters, so help our emergency services by making sure you don’t need their help,” Senator Ward concluded.