PRESS RELEASE FROM IRISH WATER SAFETY

THREE DROWNINGS EVERY WEEK* -
BANK HOLIDAY WEEKENDS PUT MORE PEOPLE AT RISK
6th April 2009

Thousands of people will enjoy Ireland’s waterways this Bank Holiday weekend but hazards associated with Spring tides and water temperatures averaging 10 degrees Celsius will increase the risk of water related accidents and tragedies.
Those boating over of the holiday weekend will share their enthusiasm with thousands more shore walkers, swimmers, divers, anglers, canoeists and surfers. Water Safety must be their foremost concern.
Cold-water temperatures average ten degrees. Most swimmers will not yet be acclimatized to such conditions and should not stay too long in the water.
Shore and Riverbank Walkers & Anglers Stranding is a risk to many walkers and Anglers over Easter as the larger spring tides of a full moon entice walkers further from shore at low tide.
Alcohol is a contributory factor in approximately one-third of drownings, therefore alcohol should not be consumed before or during aquatic activities.
Children are fascinated and attracted to water. It is critical that adults supervise children at all times around the aquatic environment. And stay S.A.F.E. – Stay Away From Edge.
Diving Divers need to exercise caution on wreck or drift dives during this Spring tide and this needs to be highlighted in the dive plan and brief.
Your Lifejacket Is Your Lifesaver Wearing a lifejacket at all times when you are engaged in aquatic related pursuits will reduce the risk of accidental drownings this weekend. It is important that everybody visiting aquatic environments this Easter ensures that their lifejackets are fully serviced. A crotch strap is an essential component of inflatable lifejackets.

Emergencies People are reminded that if you see someone in difficulty in the water dial 999 OR 112 and ask for the Coast Guard. Don’t assume someone else will make the call.

Irish Water Safety, The Long Walk, Galway

Tel:091-56.44.00 Fax:091-56.47.00

Email: info@iws.ie Website: www.iws.ie

* Based on an annual ten-year average of 158 drownings.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Product: 42″ Baby Care Seat.
Description: Inflatable bath seat in the form of an airplane with printed patterns. At the opening there are two crossed stripes used as a seat for the child. Length: 107 cm.
Brand: Bestway.
Code: F-404 Article No: 34043, bar code: 821808340439.
Risk: Drowning – Not all required warnings are indicated on the product.
The product poses moderate risk to users.