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‘Too many’ – Heartache as seven children drown in Irish waters last year and major safety warning issued for parents
This comes after seven children in Ireland died following drowning incidents in Irish waters in 2023
A MAJOR warning has been issued to parents after Water Safety Ireland revealed seven children drowned last year.
WSI is urgently appealing to parents, guardians and school teachers ahead of the summer holidays to prioritise water safety education.
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This comes after seven children in Ireland died following drowning incidents in Irish waters in 2023.
As part of National Water Safety Awareness Week, the WSI is urging for adults to be educated in safety when it comes to bodies of water.
They have issued vital information in order to ensure young people are given the means to understand the dangers of the water.
They are encouraging all parents and children to spend time educating themselves on the issue
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They said: "As we enter the summer months, it is imperative that we all take responsibility for educating our children about water safety.
"This video is a simple, yet highly effective tool that can help prevent further loss of young lives.
"National Water Safety Awareness Week serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of water safety education.
"By taking a few minutes to watch and discuss this video, you are contributing to a safer environment for our children."
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The RNLI has also issued a warning, saying that it is expecting "an incredibly busy" summer as the school holidays come into force.
Urgent warning for Irish parents as RNLI issues major water safety advice ahead of school holidays
They have issued advice to the public in the event someone was to unexpectedly fall into a body of water and get into trouble.
Latest figures from Water Safety Ireland show that over half of people who drowned in the last five years had not intended to get in the water.
With warmer weather hopefully around the corner and the school holidays setting in, many people will be heading to Irish beaches and lakes over the coming months.
The RNLI is now advising people to remember how to react if they find themselves in danger.
he 'FLOAT to Live' campaign advises people to:
- Tilt your head back with ears submerged.
- Relax and try to control your breathing.
- Use your hands to help you stay afloat.
- It is okay if your legs sink, we all float differently, the RNLI said.
Linda-Gene Byrne, RNLI Water Safety Lead said: "We are approaching the summer holidays which we expect to be incredibly busy at the coast and on inland waters.
"We want everyone to enjoy being around the water, but we also want to make sure people stay safe and know what to do if they unexpectedly enter the water and become overwhelmed.
"It is important that anyone visiting open water understands the risks which can be present."
The WSI outlines the key points as:
- Tragic Loss: In 2023, Ireland mourned the loss of seven children to drowning, a stark reminder of the dangers that water poses.
- Educational Resource: The seven-minute video provides crucial water safety tips and is an invaluable resource for preventing further incidents.
- Collective Responsibility: Teachers, parents, and guardians are urged to play this video for the children in their care.
- Life-Saving Potential: Taking a few minutes to watch this session could save a child's life.
If you get into trouble in the water, FLOAT to Live: tilt your head back with ears submerged and try to relax and control your breathing.
Use your hands to help you stay afloat and then, once you are through the initial shock, call for help to or swim to safety if you can."