Coast Guard and RNLI say: 'Be careful on those (unofficial) Christmas swims'

THE Coast Guard and RNLI are appealing to the public to exercise caution when participating in any activity on or near the water during the Christmas and New Year period, and to be mindful of the restrictions in place.

With many traditional Christmas and New Year swims cancelled, anybody planning this activity should check on the up-to-date guidance and ensure that they have made the appropriate safety arrangements.

Both organisations have thanked the public for their cooperation during the past year and in particular to the positive response in adhering with severe weather warnings. 2021 proved to be a busy year with an almost 20% increase in callouts, placing extra demand on search and rescue providers, including Coast Guard and RNLI volunteer crews.

With the increased levels of open water swimming, both organisations are highlighting the risks of suffering cold water shock, which is a danger for anyone entering water 15°C or below. Average sea temperature around Ireland at this time of year are just 6-10°C, which can pose a risk of hypothermia, even for the most experienced of open water swimmers.

The top safety tips from the Coast Guard and the RNLI for open water swimming are:

Always check the weather forecast and understand the local effects of wind, tides, and currents.  (For weather and tides see www.safetyonthewater.gov.ie)

Never swim alone and if possible, have somebody ashore who is familiar with your plans and can observe your progress.

Only swim in sheltered areas with which you are familiar and swim parallel to the shore.

Stay within your depth – know your limits including how long to stay in the water

Ensure that you are visible from the shore. Wear a brightly coloured swim cap or use a tow float to increase your visibility in the water.

Wearing a wetsuit is advisable to help stay warm.

Acclimatise to cold water slowly to reduce the risk of cold-water shock.

Get warmed up afterwards. Wrap up well in extra layers of clothing

If in doubt, don’t go out!

Tell someone else where you’re going and when you’ll be back.

Irish Coast Guard operations manager Micheál O’Toole offered special thanks to  everybody involved in the search and rescue (Sar) services for their commitment and service, and especially the volunteer members of the rescue services.

‘People love to get out and about over the Christmas and New Year period. For those who have an opportunity to go on coastal walks always remember to stay back stay high stay dry – and this year please be especially mindful of Covid-related restrictions,’ he said.

‘It is important to distinguish between the traditional Christmas quick dip and longer swims. Open water swimming at this time of the year is only for experienced participants and never ever swim alone,’ he added.

RNLI regional lifesaving lead Owen Medland said: ‘Our wish for everyone planning a trip to the coast or a festive swim is that they do so safely. We urge everyone to be extra cautious and understand the risks and know how to stay safe, before entering cold water. Please follow the right advice for your activity and always carry a means of calling for help.’

He concluded: ’As we come to the end of the year, we would like to thank all those involved in search and rescue around the coast of Ireland and on inland waters. These dedicated men and women, many of whom are volunteers, will remain on call over the Christmas period and New Year, ready to drop everything at a moment’s notice and rush to the aid of someone in trouble on the water.’

• If you see somebody in trouble on the water or along the cost  Dial 112 or use Marine VHF radio CH16  and ask for the Coast Guard.