How to stay safe and enjoy the water this summer
Preparation and safety is key! 🌊
Last updated 18th Jul 2022
During this spell of hot weather, we are reminding people to be safe when cooling down outside.
There's nothing like spending an afternoon splashing around in the sea and enjoying the beach with your friends.
Unfortunately, many people don't realise just how dangerous swimming can be without careful preparation.
You might be thinking you’re a top-notch swimmer in a warm indoor pool, but the conditions outdoors are very different.
It doesn't matter if you're paddle-boarding, surfing or swimming, water safety is important to learn at any age!
Check out our top safety tips for summer fun 👇
Should you be swimming there?
Look for warnings or guidance signs which may alert you to dangerous places to swim. Is there a safe place to enter and exit the water? If the answer is no, look for somewhere else.
Keep within the designated areas
Whether you're swimming in a pool, ocean or lake, staying within the designated swim areas is vital to staying safe. On a lifeguarded beach, stay between the red and yellow flags.
Wear a life vest
Young children or inexperienced swimmers should always wear a Coast Guard-certified life jacket around water. The beach might look inviting in the glorious sunshine, but it can be freezing beneath the surface. A wetsuit, swim belt and/or dry bag are advised.
Never swim alone
The safest places to go swimming outdoors will have lifeguards on duty, and you will be much safer swimming with friends than on your own.
Don't use inflatables in the sea
Inflatables, blow-up toys and airbeds are designed for pools, and shouldn't be used in the sea, as they can easily be swept out.
Expect a current
Always check the tidal activity before you go in, so you know what to expect. It's difficult to swim in a straight line with rip currents, waves and tides moving you in different directions under the water. Don't forget to keep an eye on the shoreline too!
Stay calm and signal
If you do get into difficulty swimming outside, fight the instinct to swim harder and against the water. Stay calm and signal to shore for help.
Dial 999 to help others
If you see someone else in trouble, do not go into the water to help them. Instead, call 999 or alert a lifeguard immediately. Check to see if there is something nearby that floats you can throw to them for help.
Read more:
Best surf spots across Northern Ireland
Complete guide to stand-up paddleboarding in Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland's Most 'Instagrammed' Beaches