Swimming Safely
Each of us has a responsibility to swim safely and that requires each of us to take proper and sensible precautions.
The Irish Water Safety Association has a very useful website which includes their 14 tips to safe swimming. You should read these at www.iws.ie
In addition we would urge you to note the following:
- Look out for proper points of entry and exit. Check
and see if there is a proper way in and a way out.
- Stay close to shore and swim alongside the shore, don't
swim out. This is especially important in new locations.
- When you are swimming in a place new to you, be extra
careful and don't swim there alone. In fact don't swim anywhere
alone.
- Watch out for currents and tides which can change quickly and can easily sweep you away or out of your depth.
- You often can't see fully into the sea, river or lake
so watch out for underwater objects. Do not jump or dive into
places you don't know.
- Wind and rain can create waves and water movement, so you need to be extra careful in bad weather.
- If you are in doubt then leave it out. Don't swim anywhere
where you are unsure or uncomfortable. It's not worth the risk.
