Organisations push for safe bank holiday weekend

Several oganisations have issued a joint water safety appeal ahead of this June Bank Holiday weekend.

With some sunny weather expected in Cork over the next 3 days, the Coast Guard, RNLI and Water Safety Ireland are urging people not to take dangerous inflatables like dinghies or air mattresses into open water. This includes the seaside, inland waters and rivers.

These kinds of inflatables are deemed dangerous as they can quickly blow out to open waters or capsize.

As the popularity of kayaking, canoeing and paddle boarding increases, the safety advice for these activities includes:

- Always have a means for calling for help and make sure you can access it when you are out on the water.

- Tell someone where you are going and what time you expect to return.

- Wear a lifejacket or buoyancy aid.

- Always check the weather forecast and sea conditions before you set off.

- Paddle in a group where possible. If exploring somewhere new, seek knowledge from experienced practitioners in the area.

Irish Coast Guard Operations Manager Micheál O’Toole said: “We want everybody to enjoy our waters but please pay attention to your own safety. Never ever swim alone and if you are using a boat or kayak, please ensure that if an emergency arises and you need assistance, that you are capable of contacting the Coast Guard with a marine VHF radio, PLB or EPIRB. Never rely on a mobile phone alone.”

Road safety

Meanwhile, the RSA and An Garda Síochána have launched a June Bank Holiday road safety appeal and 24 hour national ‘Slow Down Day’ enforcement operation.

As part of the appeal, drivers are urged to slow down and always choose a speed that is appropriate to driving conditions.

Yesterday, Thursday, gardaí mounted a national speed enforcement operation ‘Slow Down Day’, for a 24 hour period from 7am to 7am this morning, Friday.

Gardaí will also be focusing on enforcement of speed limits and other life saver offences over the June weekend.

Assistant Commissioner Paula Hilman, Roads Policing and Community Engagement, An Garda Síochána, said: “If we all slow down a little, we can make a big difference. Remember that speeding is not worth the potential devastating loss of life or serious injury but also isn’t worth the very real risk of losing your licence. If you are detected speeding you will receive three penalty points on your licence.”