Shore Way To Water Safety

While the water beckons us and it’s hard to resist, says Una Rice, we need to be aware of potential hazards too.

As you cast your gaze out towards the horizon on a gorgeous day, the heat of the sun tanning your skin, the last thing on your mind is how treacherous the sea can be. We all want to enjoy the water. There’s nothing more wonderful than that scramble to feel buoyed by the waves – it’s like our worries are literally being washed away by nature. As for the poolside, in our minds we link it to relaxation as we stretch out with a good book and a cocktail.

We want to be able to do all of that and make sure everyone stays safe as well. Which means that gaining an understanding of water safety, accident prevention and respecting the sea is crucial. This applies whether you’re flying out for your annual two weeks abroad, planning a day trip to the beach, or stopping by a local lake.

The statistics make for grim reading. Worldwide, drowning is the sixth leading cause of death in 5-14 year-olds. In Ireland, out of 124 drownings a year, 76 per cent are male. Drownings often happen inland on rivers and lakes (62 per cent). Sometimes alcohol is a factor. Taking all that into account, coupled with the fact that even competent swimmers can get into difficulties, it really brings it home that those trips to the coast for pier jumping and spontaneous sea swims should be viewed under a more cautious gaze. And, weather warnings are there to be obeyed.

Thankfully in recent years we’ve seen an increase in swimming tuition available for very small babies. From an early age, little ones are getting acclimatized to the water by professionals and they learn how to enter and exit safely, as well as life saving techniques. This knowledge extends into childhood and beyond through education, with many youngsters progressing to become competent swimmers and lifeguards.

But dangers still exist. Inflatable toys are unstable and can easily topple over in the water and, frankly, one heart wrenching headline about these items being swept out to sea is simply one too many. There are clearly good reasons to disallow children to use them, unless under close supervision.

CONSTANT SUPERVISION

While we have awareness of the dangers even a little water presents to young children at bath-time or in a paddling pool, it’s always wise to be extra vigilant in the summer holiday season.

Waterbabies.ie recommend having an awareness of the pool your child uses, including water temperature, lifeguard duty, slippery surfaces, location of deep end, and any cracked tiles. They caution about floatation devices. as well as not relying solely on a lifeguard. Children need adult supervision, at all times.

This message is echoed by Water Safety Ireland, with acting CEO, Roger Sweeney advising ‘close, constant, uninterrupted supervision of children.’

Which means those relaxed poolside drinks and books could be a lethal distraction.

Another caution by Sweeney, is about muscle cooling due to hypothermia, which is a factor in many drownings. This was part of an important water safety appeal issued this year by the Coast Guard, the RNLI and Water Safety Ireland. With an increase in water-based activities, such as people using kayaks, organisations on the frontline see a corresponding seasonal increase in search and rescue incidents.

If heading out on the water, (presuming that you have had proper training before you do so) the recommendations include: check weather and tides, have a reliable means to raise the alarm, ensure someone knows where you are going and the time you’ll be back, wear a suitable personal flotation device and watch for incoming tides. If swimming: consider a wetsuit for warmth, acclimatise slowly, wear a bright swimming cap, use a tow float, and never swim alone.

Watersafety.ie is an excellent resource with comprehensive advice and tips for anyone intending on being in or around water, whether you’re tempted by the latest trend in year round sea-swimming, or your teenager is begging to be allowed go pier jumping with friends.

The water is there to be enjoyed and you’d be forgiven for avoiding it due to being over-cautious. But we don’t want our children to fear it and all family members, whatever the age, can benefit from water activities. Doctors recommend it for arthritis and it’s a boost for cardiovascular health and general wellbeing.

The key may lie in preparedness and knowledge, in addition to major respect for this force of nature. According to an Irish survey, a third of us feel unconfident in the water, despite being swimmers.

Males consider themselves more confident than females according to auraleisure.ie. While a separate UK survey found that a third of adults can’t swim a length.

If you fall into this category, it’s worth heeding expert advice to be safe by never swimming alone, know the tides and currents, wear a bright coloured tow float to increase your visibility in the water and, of course, never jump in, particularly in the winter.

The great thing is you can always improve your knowledge and your competence by taking classes and adult swimming lessons, so you’re not condemned to just dipping your toes in while everyone is having fun.

FROM THE EXPERTS

Roger Sweeney, CEO of Water Safety Ireland says:

"People often get into difficulty because they don’t understand the danger of incoming tides which regularly strand walkers exploring slightly more elevated sandbanks.

Foreign nationals from the Baltic states are less familiar with the danger of heaving unexpected swells of Ireland’s Atlantic coastline compared with the calm of the Baltic Sea. For example, our lifeguards gave talks to Ukrainians in recent weeks and they were unaware of the dangers of dangerous swells that are exacerbated by the influence of a full moon, nor had they seen ring buoys before, which are in place at designated bathing areas nationwide.

People should make every effort to swim at lifeguarded waterways this summer- let the lifeguards be there for you as they are trained to spot a rip current and will move the red and yellow flags along the beach to safer areas.

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