If you're planning on heading for the hills or mountains in Waterford or beyond this weekend, you're being advised to prepare properly.
The South Eastern Mountain Rescue Association have been involved in a number of rescue operations in recent weeks.
PRO, Chris Pires, says the advice is simple:
"The main thing really is to be prepared. Check the weather in advance but even if it's sunny and dry, expect it to get colder and wetter higher up with the potential for poor visibility.
"Bring extra clothes and layers, food and drink, keep your phone fully charged - battery backs are useful. Make a plan as well.
"Know where you're going and let someone at home know where you're going and what time you expect to be back."
Chris says that since restrictions have been lifting, things have gotten busier for them again:
"I suppose, the last few weeks it has kind of gone back to normal levels. You could get a lot of call-outs in a couple of days.
"People have a lot more opportunities available; outside of hill-walking, I suppose, they can get out and about and are going on holidays and stuff like that."
He says it is important to remember that SEMRA members will be on-hand if anyone does get into difficulty this weekend though:
"Call 999 or 112 and they'll direct the right emergency services to you. Our main calls would come from An Garda Síochána or the National Ambulance Service.
"So, if you just call 999 or 112, the help will get to you."
