The warm weather has brought many people out to enjoy the seaside and coastal walks, however the CEO of Irish Water Safety, John Leech is warning the public that there is a full moon tomorrow 2nd of July which is causing high spring tides which poses a higher risk of being washed in to the sea or being dragged out to sea by a rip current.
A danger foreseen can avoided…
Walkers should remain alert and stay well away from the edge of ordinarily familiar coastal walks due to the risk being washed in by large Atlantic swells. Those walking on our beaches and collecting sea shells should be alert to a fast advancing tide and of being stranded. Please carry your mobile phone and ideally in the company of others.
Anglers should be extremely vigilant, three having drowned so far this year. Atlantic swells present a clear danger to shoreline anglers and a substantial distance from the edge should be maintained at all times and always wear a lifejacket.
Swimmers be aware of rip currents, especially on surfing beaches, never swim against this narrow current of water flowing away from a beach. Instead, swim parallel to the shore, out of the narrow current, then swim back to shore at an angle. Details available here.
Divers completing drift dives need to carefully calculate the rate of drift and ensure that the dive boat maintains contact with their divers throughout the dive.
If an emergency develops don’t delay – call 112 and ask for Coast Guard!
