Water Safety Ireland Issues Urgent Warning as Sunny Weekend Meets Stronger Tides
Water Safety Ireland warns of stronger tides and weever fish as sunny weekend approaches. Swim at lifeguarded beaches, supervise children, wear beach shoes.
With temperatures set to soar and a full moon bringing heightened tidal conditions, water safety experts are urging the public to exercise extra caution around Ireland's waterways this weekend.
Water Safety Ireland has issued comprehensive guidance as the country prepares for what meteorologists predict will be a warm and sunny weekend, coinciding with stronger spring tides triggered by Thursday's full moon on 10 July.
Stronger Tides Create Hidden Dangers
The full moon will generate spring tides over the coming days, producing higher high tides and lower low tides than usual. These conditions significantly increase the risk of powerful rip currents and rapid changes in water depth, as higher tides quickly cover areas that may conceal dangerous depths.
During low tide periods, people may be tempted to venture further out on exposed sandbanks, but incoming tides can rapidly isolate and trap walkers, cutting off their return route to shore. Water Safety Ireland emphasises the importance of staying alert, carrying a fully charged mobile phone, and closely monitoring incoming tides when walking along the coastline.
Weever Fish Warning for Beach-Goers
Summer visitors to Ireland's beaches face an additional hazard from weever fish, which bury themselves in shallow sandy waters with only their eyes and venomous dorsal spines visible above the surface. These fish can deliver an extremely painful sting through their dark-tipped spines if accidentally stepped upon.
Beach-goers are strongly advised to wear protective footwear when paddling or walking in shallow water. Should a sting occur, the affected area should be immediately immersed in hot water, which helps break down the venom's protein structure.
Essential Safety Guidelines
Water Safety Ireland recommends following these crucial safety measures:
Swimming should only take place at lifeguarded beaches and swimming areas, with a complete list available at watersafety.ie/lifeguards. When lifeguarded facilities are not available, choose areas known locally to be safe.
Children require constant, uninterrupted adult supervision near any body of water. Alcohol consumption should be completely avoided before or during water activities.
Before leaving home, check local weather conditions and tidal information. Lifejackets must be worn when boating or participating in water sports.
Emergency Procedures
Anyone witnessing someone in difficulty in the water should immediately call 999 or 112 and request the Coast Guard. If caught in a rip current, swimmers should swim parallel to the shore until they break free from the current's pull.
The organisation stresses that while Ireland's waterways offer excellent recreational opportunities, particularly during fine weather, understanding and respecting the inherent risks remains paramount for everyone's safety.
