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.  They are also asking people to be mindful of restrictions in place to deal with the COVID pandemic.

Both organisations have thanked the public for their cooperation during the past year and in particular to the positive response to severe weather warnings.

2021 saw an almost 20% increase in callouts for the Coastguard and the RNLI, putting extra pressure on their services and on volunteers.

Winter swimming in open water

Cold water shock is a risk for anyone entering water 15°C or below.  The average Irish sea temperature at this time of year is between 6 and 10°C, which can pose a risk of hypothermia, even for the most experienced of open water swimmers.

Safety tips for swimmers from the Coast Guard and the RNLI:

• Always check the weather forecast and understand the local effects of wind, tides, and currents. 
• 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 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.

RNLI Regional Lifesaving Lead Owen Medland added: ‘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 they enter the cold water. 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.’

If you see somebody in trouble on the water or along the coast dial 112 or 999 or use Marine VHF radio CH 16 and ask for the Coast Guard.

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