Authorities Urge Caution Around Water and Roads This St. Patrick’s Weekend

With St. Patrick’s weekend approaching, authorities are urging the public to exercise caution both on the roads and near water, as safety risks increase during the holiday festivities.

Stay Safe Near Water: Coast Guard, RNLI, and Water Safety Ireland Issue Warning

The Irish Coast Guard, Water Safety Ireland, and the RNLI have highlighted a concerning statistic: 67% of accidental drownings occur after land-based activities such as walking, hiking, or angling. As crowds gather to enjoy Ireland’s waterways and coastal areas over the long weekend, officials are urging the public to take extra precautions.

Kevin Whitney, Head of Operations at the Irish Coast Guard, emphasised the importance of water safety during the celebrations:

“It is important that people continue to keep water safety in mind during the festivities. Whether you are on the coast or around inland waterways such as canals, take heed of the advice we are giving. Alcohol and drugs should never be mixed with water activities. If engaging in coastal walks, be attentive to erosion or changes that may have occurred during recent storms and always carry a means of communication.”

To prevent accidents, the public is advised to:

• Avoid alcohol and drugs near water
• Check weather and tides before heading out
• Tell someone where you’re going and when you’ll return
• Carry a reliable means of raising the alarm (VHF radio, Personal Locator Beacon, or fully charged mobile phone)
• Wear a suitable Personal Floatation Device when engaged in any water-based activity, including shoreline fishing
• Stay away from the edge during cliff walks
• Be alert to the risk of being stranded by incoming tides

In case of an emergency on the water or along the coast, dial 112 or use VHF radio Channel 16 and ask for the Coast Guard.

Gardaí and RSA Call for Responsible Road Use

As part of their efforts to reduce road fatalities, An Garda Síochána and the Road Safety Authority (RSA) are appealing to motorists to never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. With 33 people having lost their lives in road traffic collisions in the first 10 weeks of 2025, authorities stress that this weekend is a critical time for road safety.

Chief Superintendent Jane Humphries of the Garda National Roads Policing Bureau stated:

“On every day of 2024, Gardaí arrested at least one driver every hour for driving while intoxicated. While drug driving is a major concern, the vast majority of the thousands of people detected and arrested for intoxicated driving during the past year were under the influence of alcohol. This weekend will be a big social one for lots of people, and we are here to keep the public safe, but we also need everyone’s help to achieve this.”

To prevent road tragedies, Gardaí and the RSA advise:

• Never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Plan your journey ahead – organise a designated driver, pre-book a taxi, or use public transport
• Be cautious if walking or cycling after drinking, as it also increases the risk of accidents
• Stick to the speed limit and avoid distractions like mobile phones
• Always wear a seatbelt

An Garda Síochána has launched a nationwide Roads Policing Operation from 7am on Thursday, 13th March to 7am on Tuesday, 18th March, targeting key offences including:

1. Intoxicated driving

2. Speeding

3. Mobile phone use

4. Seatbelt violations

Minister for Transport, Darragh O’Brien T.D, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving road safety:

“Road safety is a priority for this Government and we are determined to reduce the fatalities and serious injuries that have devastated so many families and communities across Ireland.”

Michael Rowland, Director of Research, Standards and Assurance at the RSA, also stressed the dangers of intoxicated driving:

“Intoxicated driving significantly increases your crash risk. It also carries a serious penalty of a driving disqualification and fine. Last year, four people died and 12 were seriously injured in road traffic collisions over the St. Patrick’s bank holiday weekend. We are asking all road users to take care when out and about this weekend and make plans to avoid intoxicated driving.”

Authorities urge the public to play their part in ensuring a safe and enjoyable St. Patrick’s weekend by making responsible choices both on the road and near water.