Mayo County Council’s water safety officer, Michael Gavin, has issued an appeal to keep Mayo accident free this holiday weekend.
As we approach the June weekend, which is traditionally the start of the summer holiday season, water safety should be foremost in everyone’s mind. This is particularly important in Mayo which is fortunate to have bathing waters of pristine quality, both inland and coastal, for its many visitors to enjoy. The exceptional Blue Flag beaches of Mayo and numerous other coastal and inland waterways attract people in their hundreds, particularly at this time of year.
More and more people are taking to water based activities in their leisure time. Almost every child now has a wetsuit and can enjoy the water in all weather conditions, by participating in surfing, sailing, body-boarding, canoeing, kayaking, kitesurfing, etc.
Anyone involved in these activities should be aware that while water based activities can offer tremendous enjoyment, they can also pose a serious danger. Rarely a year goes by that there are not tragic accidents, many of which can be prevented by acting sensibly and taking the advice of those experienced in water safety matters.
Water safety code of conduct
Everybody should use common sense when swimming or participating in other water-based activities and this simple water safety code of conduct should be followed at all times:
Always swim at an area that is supervised by lifeguards.
Never swim alone or in a place that you are unfamiliar with.
Swim within your depth and parallel to the shore.
Never swim immediately after a meal or after consuming alcohol.
Never swim after anything drifting out to sea.
Do not use inflatables — tides and offshore breezes turn them into “floating killers”.
Children should be constantly supervised by an adult when they are in or near water.
Outdoor lifeguard service
Mayo County Council provides lifeguards for your safety at many of the more popular bathing places in the county. Those wishing to enjoy outdoor water based activities are advised to avail of the protection of this lifeguard service. Thankfully these locations can at present, adequately accommodate the many hundreds of holidaymakers and locals wishing to avail of the pristine waters and clean beaches along our coastline. Why not visit the following locations which are lifeguarded throughout the summer at Bertra, Westport; Old Head, Louisburgh; Carramore, Louisburgh; Carrowniskey, Louisburgh; Mulranny; Achill Island at Keel, Keem, Silver Strand and Golden Strand, Dugort; Ross, Killala, and tidal pool, Shore Road, Belmullet
Wear lifejackets — it’s the law
Lifejackets or personal floatation devices must be worn at all times on pleasure craft of less than seven metres (23 feet ) in length. Pleasure craft include motor boats, personal watercraft (jet-skis ), sailboats, and fast power boats. Far too often boating enthusiasts can be seen out on the water without lifejackets. Common sense should prevail at all times — there is no point having lifejackets on your boat unless they are being worn.
Remember this water safety message: Enjoy the water… but don’t play with your life.
For any information on water safety issues log on to the Irish Water Safety website at www.iws.ie
