The Coast Guard, RNLI and Water Safety Ireland have issued a joint water safety appeal urging people to be careful when around water as the cold snap continues.
The current freezing conditions means that many of Ireland's canals, lakes, ponds and flooded areas may be coated in ice. But while the thickness of the ice can vary, it is dangerous to walk on and people are warned to stay off the ice.
It comes as Dublin Fire Brigade issued a grim warning to the public after three boys died in a horror lake accident in the UK. The boys, aged 11, ten and eight, were rushed to hospital after a group fell through a frozen lake in the town of Solihull, near Birmingham last night and a fourth boy, aged six, remains in a critical condition in hospital.
Read more: Man murdered and found in field in Co Meath named as gardai launch major probe
Members of the public are advised to "be extra vigilant" while walking beside bodies of water as walkways and paths can become extremely slippery and unsafe when icy. It is also best to keep pets and young children away from the edges.
The three maritime organisations are asking people who are taking part in Christmas swims to be careful and to follow these tips to keep safe:
- In an emergency dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard
- Have a means of calling for help, e.g., a mobile phone in a waterproof pouch and a whistle
- Check weather and tides, be mindful of wind conditions.
- When you go open water swimming, it is very important to acclimatise by entering the water slowly and allowing time for your body to get used to the cold.
- To help yourself acclimatise, splash the cold water on your neck and face.
- Warm up afterwards by putting on dry clothes quickly and wear a warm hat as soon as you get out.
- Entry and exit points may be difficult in the sub-zero conditions so walk slowly to avoid slipping.
- Avoid swimming in areas where there is ice
Irish Coast Guard Head of Operations Gerard O’Flynn said: “Many people are looking forward to engaging in outdoor activities, including open water swimming or quick dips over the over the festive period, but please attend to your personal safety by carefully planning your intended activity.” Meanwhile, Water Safety Ireland’s Deputy CEO, Roger Sweeney added that children are "naturally curious about walking on ice", but that parents should emphasize that it is not safe as the thickness can vary.
RNLI Water Safety Delivery Support Lisa Hollingum said: "Cold water shock is a very real possibility while winter swimming and dipping. Acclimatise before getting in, don’t stay in long and warm up as soon as you get out of the water. Look out for one another.’
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