‘Number of drownings doubled' -Irish water safety bosses issue warning after six swimming tragedies within weeks

The Irish Sun

22-06-2025

WATER safety chiefs have issued an urgent warning ahead of the busy summer season - after the latest swimming tragedies in Irish waters.
As the weather improves and the evenings are getting brighter, more people are expected to return to the water for activities such as
and surfing.
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Many Irish swimmers are set to hit the beach during summer as the weather improves
Credit: Alamy Live News
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Deputy CEO Roger Sweeney shared advice for parents to keep their children safe
Credit: Getty Images - Getty
Talking to the
He urges parents to take a moment and teach their children the precise boundaries of Irish waters and conversation about how to stay safe while swimming.
He added: "When you bring children or friends to a waterway, take a moment to visualise drawing an imaginary line on the ground, a clear boundary that must not be crossed until you've assessed the risks and had a real conversation about safety.
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"Once there,
Mr Sweeney also highlighted the importance of knowing the "lifesaving equipment" such as ringbuoys and how it is crucial to never tamper with them as it can save lives when needed.
He continued: "Talk to them about the importance of lifesaving equipment like ringbuoys — and why it's crucial never to tamper with or misuse them.
"These are small actions — but they can make the biggest difference."
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Water Safety Ireland chiefs have also warned of the dangers of rip currents.
They said: "Rip currents are powerful, narrow channels of fast-moving water that can pull swimmers away from shore.
School principal pays touching tribute to teen who died in Meath swimming tragedy
"If caught in one, don't panic, swim parallel to the beach to escape the current, then head back to shore."
It is also vital to be aware of the water and tide times and have someone to watch them before entering.
Head of Operations Section at the Irish Coast Guard, Kevin Whitney, highlighted the alarming rise in drownings this year.
He said: "In May 2025, the number of drownings has doubled compared to the same period in 2024, bringing tragic loss to families across the country."
He urged everyone to be "mindful of the dangers, plan ahead, and follow the appropriate safety guidelines" .
And if you see somebody in trouble on the water, along the coast or think they are in trouble, use marine VHF radio Ch 16 or dial 112 and ask for the
MEATH INCIDENT
The urgent appeal comes after
His body was recovered from the River Nanny in Laytown, Co
Kofi was with friends enjoying the hot weather in the water near Laytown Beach
A member of the public called emergency services at around 6.15 pm and a major search got underway involving the
At around 9.30pm, a body was recovered from the water following the operation.
SAFETY ADVICE FOR WATER-BASED ACTIVITIES
If you are sailing or motorboating:
Always wear an appropriate lifejacket
Always carry a means of calling and signalling for help
When engaging in any boating activity; Ensure there is an emergency action plan in place, and everybody has an onboard briefing
Get the right level of training for your craft
Always check the weather and tide times
Make sure someone on the shore knows where you are going and who to call if you don't return on time.
Always operate your boat at a speed that is appropriate to the weather conditions and to the environment you are operating in.
If you are swimming:
Water temperatures are still cold at this year of the year, consider wearing a wetsuit to stay warm
Acclimatise slowly
Check the weather forecast and tide times
Never swim alone and always ensure that your activity is being monitored by a colleague
If you are heading out on the water or visiting the coast:
Always check the weather and tide times
Tell someone where you are going and what time you will be back
Wear a lifejacket when angling on the shoreline or riverbanks
Stay away from the water's edge when out walking
Ensure children are under constant adult supervision when close to large bodies of water
Kofi was from the Blackrock area of Dundalk and had travelled from the northeast town to Laytown with his pals.
In an emotional post by his
In a post on
Colaiste Chu Chulainn Principal Thomas Sharkey also paid tribute, saying the school community was "heartbroken" by the teen's death.
He also described Kofi as "a fine young man, a very kind, a very caring and a very diligent student".
He added: "He's an excellent sportsman. He had just played in an All-Ireland basketball final and in a Leinster soccer final in his age group of under-16.
"He finished his Junior Cert exams only 10 days ago, and his older sister was a past pupil of our school. Kofi and his family are in all of our thoughts."
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Kofi Owusu tragically lost his life while swimming at Laytown Beach on Friday
Credit: Coláiste Chú Chulainn
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Water safety chiefs have shared an urgent appeal to swimmers
Credit: Getty Images - Getty