In light of recent drowning tragedies in Cavan and Dublin, Limerick City and County Council is reminding parents and children alike of the steps they should take to stay safe when spending time in the water.
The ongoing good weather has seen a significant increase in the number of people taking to Limerick's waterways on leisure crafts and boats, as well as to the water at Glin Pier and Kilteery Pier where seasonal lifeguard cover commenced at the weekend.
Valerie Stundon, Water Safety Development Officer is urging the general public to only use the Local Authority manned lifeguarded bathing places.
She explained: “We want families and friends to enjoy their time together during the coming weeks and therefore, would appeal to the public in the city and county to be mindful of the importance of water safety awareness. People should particularly take heed of advice given by the lifeguards and supervise their children at all times.”
Regarding those taking to Limerick’s waterways on leisure crafts and boats, Ms. Stundon said: “Before entering the water, people are advised to check local weather conditions. People are also asked to wear correctly maintained and fitting lifejackets that are suitable for the activity and to ensure their craft is fit for purpose. Under no circumstances should alcohol be consumed prior to entering the water.”
Ms. Stundon said Limerick City and County Council employs seasonal lifeguards at Glin Pier and Kilteery Pier.
“The lifeguards work shifts in time with the high tides, so that cover is available while water is deep enough for bathing. I would urge members of the public to observe notices at designated swimming locations, and also observe the Lifeguard's rules and regulations regarding off limit swimming locations. Anyone who sees a water user in difficulty should summon help immediately. People should also be aware of the locations of ringbuoys, of which there are 146 located around Limerick City and County," she concluded.
Water safety advice:
- Only swim at waterways that have lifeguards on duty and pay attention to the safety flags.
- Before entering the water check local weather conditions and tides in the area. Wear correctly maintained and fitting lifejackets that are suitable for the activity. Ensure your craft is fit for purpose.
- Under no circumstances should alcohol be consumed prior to entering the water.
- Members of the public are requested to report any damaged, stolen, missing or retrieved ringbuoys via www.ringbuoys.ie, or by emailing wsdo@limerick.ie / calling 061-407100.
The ongoing good weather has seen a significant increase in the number of people taking to Limerick's waterways on leisure crafts and boats, as well as to the water at Glin Pier and Kilteery Pier where seasonal lifeguard cover commenced at the weekend.
Valerie Stundon, Water Safety Development Officer is urging the general public to only use the Local Authority manned lifeguarded bathing places.
She explained: “We want families and friends to enjoy their time together during the coming weeks and therefore, would appeal to the public in the city and county to be mindful of the importance of water safety awareness. People should particularly take heed of advice given by the lifeguards and supervise their children at all times.”
Regarding those taking to Limerick’s waterways on leisure crafts and boats, Ms. Stundon said: “Before entering the water, people are advised to check local weather conditions. People are also asked to wear correctly maintained and fitting lifejackets that are suitable for the activity and to ensure their craft is fit for purpose. Under no circumstances should alcohol be consumed prior to entering the water.”
Ms. Stundon said Limerick City and County Council employs seasonal lifeguards at Glin Pier and Kilteery Pier.
“The lifeguards work shifts in time with the high tides, so that cover is available while water is deep enough for bathing. I would urge members of the public to observe notices at designated swimming locations, and also observe the Lifeguard's rules and regulations regarding off limit swimming locations. Anyone who sees a water user in difficulty should summon help immediately. People should also be aware of the locations of ringbuoys, of which there are 146 located around Limerick City and County," she concluded.
Water safety advice:
- Only swim at waterways that have lifeguards on duty and pay attention to the safety flags.
- Before entering the water check local weather conditions and tides in the area. Wear correctly maintained and fitting lifejackets that are suitable for the activity. Ensure your craft is fit for purpose.
- Under no circumstances should alcohol be consumed prior to entering the water.
- Members of the public are requested to report any damaged, stolen, missing or retrieved ringbuoys via www.ringbuoys.ie, or by emailing wsdo@limerick.ie / calling 061-407100.
