The annual “Be Summer Ready” campaign has been launched, and the central theme this year was to ensure water safety.
The Citizens Information Initiative provides advice on a wide range of areas, particularly those relating to water and coastal activities.
The aim is to encourage people to educate themselves and be aware of the risks that may arise during the summer months.
Information provided as part of the campaign gives tips on how to be prepared, how to stay safe and where to get help in an emergency, reports RTE.
It was created by Tánaiste and Minister for Defense Micheál Martin, who chairs the government’s contingency planning task force.
Last year the Irish Coast Guard responded to more than 2,700 incidents, including cases where people were stranded on beaches due to high tides and the use of inflatable toys.
Dangers like these are being raised as part of this year’s “Be Summer Ready” campaign.
Irish Coast Guard Chief of Operations Micheál O’Toole said preparation is key.
“There are a number of incidents every summer, we are coming into a very busy period and we just encourage people, while they are enjoying the excellent amenities that our coast offers, that they would just take a precautionary approach,” he said, reports RTE.
Deputy CEO of Water Safety Ireland Roger Sweeney said around 110 people drown here each year.
“Learn from the tragic incidents in the past, supervise the children, swim at lifeguarded waterways and please, whatever you do when you’re boating, wear a life jacket,” he said, reports RTE.
Mr Sweeny added: “First of all, swim within your depth, stay within your depth. Make every effort to swim at a lifeguarded waterway. All the lifeguarded waterways are listed on Water Safety Ireland’s website, www.watersafety.ie,” reports RTE.
Head of Forecasting at Met Éireann Evelyn Cusack said there is a “possibility” of similar high temperatures this year.
She said: “Already in Spain, there’s been record breaking temperatures, hitting 38 degrees. Last year, early June was remarkable for France when they hit 40 degrees,” reports RTE.
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