Water sports are becoming increasingly popular Irish Summer Activities, but we want to ensure that you know how to keep yourself safe on the water!
Water safety is ultimately important when it comes to participating in any water sports and we have teamed up with the RNLI to give you everything you need to know when it comes to keeping you safe on the water this season.
Here's a couple of things to remember👇
- Always have a means of contact, such as a mobile phone in a waterproof pouch. Should any trouble arise, or if the tide brings you out further than expected you can contact the local coast guard by dialing 112 or 999.
- Make sure you wear a brightly coloured buoyancy aid, suitable for your weight and size. This will make it easy for you to be spotted should you need help, but it will also keep you afloat too. It’s a win-win, plus personal floatation devices are actually compulsory in Irish waters.
- Plan your water sports in accordance with the weather & tides. Generally, it will be safest to swim no more than an hour either side of a high or low tide, as this is when the current should be at its weakest. And it goes without saying, don’t plan water based activities when we are expecting bad weather such as wind and rain.
- Always tell someone where you are going and how long you plan to be. It is a good rule of thumb to not go alone, but either way you should let someone know where you are going and how long you plan to be.
- Wear suitable clothing for the water conditions including protective clothing or sunscreen in Summer months. Irish weather can be very unpredictable to say the least, so always ensure the use of SPF when going out on open waters.
Once you have all of the above covered you are sure to enjoy water sports and water activities safely this Summer.
If you require any further advice we recommend the RNLI or simply ask a member of our team in store and they will be happy to help.
And if you require any water safety equipment, you can also shop online or in store at Decathlon.
