Comhshaol

Water Safety Tips

• Sábháilteacht ar an Trá

  For most people summer means days at beach, enjoying the sun and sand. By following very easy tips, you can have a safe and happy time at beach

  • Learn to swim
  • Swim near a lifeguard
  • Swim with a buddy
  • Check with the lifeguards
  • Use sunscreen and drink water
  • Obey posted signs and flags
  • Keep the beach and water clean
  • Learn rip current safety
  • Enter water feet first
  • Wear a life jacket
• Gardaí Tarrthála

  The Beach Lifeguards will be on duty from 30th May to 30th August, 2020 as follows:-

  June, 2020

  Every Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday from 12 noon to 6:30 p.m.

  July & August, 2020       

  Every day from 12 noon to 6:30 p.m.

   Locations & Contact Numbers:

  LIFEGUARD HUT MOBILE NUMBERS
  Bertra Beach	087 6474145
  Carrowmore Beach	087 6775903
  Carrowniskey Beach	087 6775906
  Keel Beach	087 6474154
  Keem Beach	087 6775909
  Mulranny Beach	087 6474157
  Silver Strand	087 6784547
  Old Head Beach	087 6474148
  Ross Strand	087 8684712
  Belmullet Tidal Pool	087 2754235

   

  The 2 metre Social Distancing Rule must be observed by all on the beaches and in any interaction with the Lifeguards;

  Please respect the instructions of the Beach Lifeguards and only swim within the bathing zone which is designated by flags.  It’s very simple …. If the yellow/red flag is flying, it is safe to swim.  If the red flag is flying, it is unsafe to swim.  The flags are flown when the Lifeguards are on duty only. 

  Please remember to keep the beaches clean and tidy and bring your litter home with you.

  Patricia Flynn, A/Water Safety Development Officer : (094) 9064135

• Siúlóidí Cois Cósta

  There is nothing quite like walking to get you away from all the hustle and bustle. Fresh air, open surroundings and exhilarating views! Plus, it’s a great form of exercise to keep healthy and improve your fitness.

  Walking close to water along Mayo's shores presents its own challenges and should never be underestimated. If you intend to walk on your own or as part of a walking group, we can all take steps to stay safe. Follow our handy tips for both inexperienced and advanced walkers and you will be set to go.

  • Before departing for your walk, always check the weather forecast. Ensure no yellow, orange or red warnings in place.
  • Check the time of the tides and be cautious of the risk of stranding due to tides. Carry a well charged phone – dial 112 if you feel that you are likely to get stranded or if you / a member of your group gets injured and requires assistance.
  • Always let someone know where you are leaving from and going to, as well as what time you expect to return.
  • If the walk is not well signposted, carry a map and compass. Fog can come down very quickly in coastal areas.
  • Be aware of all edges around the sea and waterside. Slips and falls happen in all locations; it is not just high cliff edges that are a risk.
  • Be careful when walking in dark and slippery conditions.
  • If you are walking your dog never follow it in to the water, call 112 instead.

   

• Sábháilteacht Linne

  Swimming is a great sport to keep fit and here in Mayo we are privilidged to have fantastic pools throughout the county. You should always follow these tips for a safe experience. If you do, you will avoid any nasty accidents and injuries.

  • An adult should always supervise playtime in paddling pools.
  • Be careful not to dive into shallow water – check to see how deep the pool is.
  • If you are with younger children, watch out for them at all times.
  • Obey all pool safety rules such as no running, no dives, no horseplay.
  • Remember to check for others before entering the water.
  • Watch out in case there is no proper barrier between the kids pool and the main pool.
  • Find out if there is a Lifeguard on duty and listen to their instructions.
  • Watch out for sudden drops in the pool floor.
  • Beware of wet and slippery surfaces.
• Aibhneacha, Lochanna agus Sábháilteacht Intíre
  • Beware of submerged objects. Always enter the water feet first
  • Cold water in lakes can be dangerous – it is often much colder beneath the surface than you think
  • Do not play near the edge of riverbanks – they can crumble away suddenly
  • Do not retrieve model boats by wading in
  • Never walk on ice covered waterways
  • Reeds and grass often obscure the edge of the pond
  • The banks of a pond may be weak and give way under your weight
  • When angling always make sure an adult is with you
• Tonnmharcaíocht

  If adventure is what you are after, surfing might just be the sport for you. With great waves and lots of beaches Ireland offers some of the best surfing in Europe. Remember though, you can experience the thrills of the surf without taking risks.

  From beginners to experienced surfers, we all need to respect the water and others. Before taking out your board be aware of the associated dangers on the water. Many surf schools provide lessons and will give practical demonstrations.

  There is some basic surf etiquette you can follow which will make your life and those of others easy. The surfer closest to the peak has priority and you should never ‘drop in’ on anybody else. To avoid collision, paddle for white water or paddle wide on the shoulder.

  • Learn to swim.
  • Get proper instruction at an ISA approved surf school or club.
  • Check local knowledge with lifeguards or experienced surfers.
  • Study the waves and only go surfing if you are capable in the conditions which prevail. Stick to beaches until you are experienced – it is important to avoid overconfidence.
  • Learn to observe the ocean to identify rips, wind changes and other hazards – if caught in a rip always paddle across current to safety.
  • Never go surfing at night when darkness is approaching.
  • When you “wipeout” wait before coming to the surface too soon and protect your head with your arms as you come to the surface. Wear a safety helmet.
  • Check your equipment, especially your leash. Remember it is much easier to spot a brightly coloured board and wetsuit at sea in the event of you requiring rescue.
  • Never go out in the surf alone.