logo
Urgent water safety alert to Irish families ahead of 30C heat blast as experts warning ‘no flags means no lifeguards'

Urgent water safety alert to Irish families ahead of 30C heat blast as experts warning ‘no flags means no lifeguards'

The Irish Sun09-07-2025
IRISH families are being urged "to put safety first" when near water as the country prepares for sizzling weather.
Temperatures could hit a sweltering 30C this weekend, which will have many looking to cool off in the water.
2
The RNLI has issued key safety advice ahead of a hot spell
But experts at the
They advise people to visit
For those with
Linda-Gene Byrne, RNLI Water Safety Lead, said: "We are expecting people to head to the coast during the hot weather, it is a great way to have fun, relax and cool off in high temperatures.
READ MORE ON IRISH NEWS
"If you do go to the coast, please choose a lifeguarded beach and swim between the flags. Remember where there are no flags, there are no lifeguards."
If you or someone you know falls in the
In cases of emergency, swimmers are also advised to dial 999 and ask for the
Such heat presents not only danger to swimmers and those enjoying the sun, but to their pets too.
Most read in Irish News
Organisations such as DogsTrust and petinsurance.ie have also come out with key advice for owners so that they are aware of the dangers facing their
One key tip is the 'Five Second Rule', which advises owners to hold their hands to the ground for five seconds before walking their dog.
SUMMER SAFETY
Other tips critical for protecting our companions throughout the spectacular weather include ensuring access to fresh air and water.
They also advise providing protection from the sun and scheduling exercise for later in the day when the heat is less intense.
2
With temperatures expected to rise to 30C, many people will look to the water as a way to cool off
Credit: Alamy
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Five areas that will ‘definitely' see water disruption in HOURS amid ‘critical' 28-hr Dublin, Kildare & Wicklow repair
Five areas that will ‘definitely' see water disruption in HOURS amid ‘critical' 28-hr Dublin, Kildare & Wicklow repair

The Irish Sun

time7 hours ago

  • The Irish Sun

Five areas that will ‘definitely' see water disruption in HOURS amid ‘critical' 28-hr Dublin, Kildare & Wicklow repair

MILLIONS of people across three Irish counties have been urged to "hold off" on using more water than necessary amid shortage fears. Uisce Eireann confirmed that a major pipeline that supplies 1.7 million people in the greater Advertisement 4 Uisce Eireann specialists will have 28 hours to repair five leaks and a damaged pipeline before reservoirs run dry Credit: Uisce Eireann 4 Uisce Eireann has a released a map showing areas that may be affected by the repairs Credit: Uisce Eireann 4 The repairs are set to take place on the Ballymore Eustace to Saggart Reservoir pipeline Credit: Uisce Eireann The pipeline, which is at risk of "a prolonged outage if not addressed", will be turned off for 28 hours from 11pm tonight. Almost 1,000 people will be impacted directly by the maintenance. Water bosses warned that households in Kill, Arthurstown, Rathmore, Athgoe and Tipperkevin will "definitely" see an interruption to their water supply over the bank holiday weekend. Uisce Eireann said: "While Uisce Eireann has prepared for these critical works by ensuring all treated water reservoirs in the GDA are as full as possible, there is still a risk customers in Dublin, Wicklow and parts of Kildare may possibly experience interruptions to their water supply including low pressure, discoloured water, or water outages. Advertisement READ MORE IN IRISH NEWS |Just under a thousand customers in Kill, Arthurstown, Rathmore, Athgoe and Tipperkevin will definitely see an interruption to supply over the weekend and alternative water supplies will be provided. "We are making a major appeal to customers in Dublin, Kildare and Wicklow to conserve water to help maintain everyone's water supply during these essential repair works." If the major repairs go to plan, the vast majority won't notice any difference to their water supply. Head of Advertisement MOST READ ON THE IRISH SUN After this, water storage levels become too low and could result in widespread supply disruption. Attridge said: "Therefore, the specialist repair crews have a very tight deadline to finish the repairs and refill the pipeline with water. "We are asking for the public's help to minimise the impact of this operation; for this weekend, we are asking everyone to act together and only use water for essential needs. HOW DO I PREPARE FOR DISRUPTIONS? BEFORE and during the planned disruption to supply, Uisce Eireann has told people to follow five key steps. Those in the affected area should: Ensure you have enough drinking water. Before the planned disruption, fill a jug of water and store it in your fridge. Turn off all pre-programmed water-using appliances such as dishwashers and washing machines. This is particularly important overnight on Saturday August 2 and Sunday August 3 as your dishwasher or washing machine may empty your tank. Make sure all taps in your property are turned off: This is important as it can avoid airlocks or flooding when the water returns. Use the water sparingly. "Please hold off on filling baths, car washing, power hosing, window washing, filling paddling pools and anything that is not vital. Advertisement "Reducing your water use will help maintain or extend water supply during the repairs, for yourself and, importantly, for vulnerable and high-risk users, including hospitals and care homes." In preparation, Specialist teams will be tasked with repairing five leaks and replacing a damaged section of pipeline. 'THINGS CAN GO WRONG' With only 28 hours to complete the work before reservoirs run out, they will need to work fast to ensure the pipeline is back by Sunday morning. Advertisement Uisce Eireann's Leak Reduction Programme Manager Declan Healy spoke with He said: "It is a very complex job, and we have an hour-by-hour programme where we have planned out all the works. "We have even done dry-runs just to work out all the timings. But with all complex civil engineering projects like this one, things on site can change, and things can go wrong. 4 Residents have been urged to "hold off on filling baths, car washing, power hosing, window washing, filling paddling pools and anything that is not vital" Credit: Getty Images - Getty Advertisement

‘Notoriously difficult to spot' warning over deadly rip currents at popular Irish beaches before possible bank hol storm
‘Notoriously difficult to spot' warning over deadly rip currents at popular Irish beaches before possible bank hol storm

The Irish Sun

timea day ago

  • The Irish Sun

‘Notoriously difficult to spot' warning over deadly rip currents at popular Irish beaches before possible bank hol storm

EXPERTS are "pleading" with swimmers to seek advice before entering the water this bank holiday weekend. The Irish Coast Guard, Advertisement 4 The RNLI says that rip currents are a major cause of accidental drownings and can be notoriously difficult to spot Credit: RNLI 4 To escape a riptide swimmers should try wade or swim horizontal to the shore Credit: RNLI The bad weather, they say, "will further increase the risk of getting into difficulty, especially on east coast Rips are strong currents which run out to sea and can quickly drag people away from the shallows of the shoreline and out to deeper water. They tend to flow at 1–2 mph but can reach 4–5 mph, which is faster than an Olympic swimmer. The RNLI says that rips are particularly powerful in large surfs and are often found around river mouths, estuaries and man-made structures like piers and groynes. Advertisement READ MORE IN IRISH NEWS They are also apparently "notoriously difficult to spot". Only sometimes identifiable by a channel of churning, choppy water on the The RNLI urges swimmers to "choose a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags" to avoid the currents. They also advise wearing a bright-coloured swimming hat and never swimming alone. Advertisement MOST READ IN THE IRISH SUN Latest Latest If caught in a rip, they advise you do not These warnings come following a Met Eireann has not confirmed whether a storm will make landfall, but has warned that Monday will be unsettled with wet and breezy weather. WEATHER WARNING Some areas are expected to be hit harder by the bad Advertisement Cathal Nolan, founder of Ireland's Weather Channel, warned winds are expected to be strong enough to cause disruption where they hit. He said: "There's an increasing risk of some unseasonably strong winds on Monday, with northern areas currently most at risk. "Much still depends upon the exact track and how the low-pressure system interacts with an active jet stream in the vicinity of Ireland." He added: "It's too early to speculate of the exact strength of the winds the low pressure could generate, but they would be sufficient to cause disruption in the north." Advertisement 4 Met Eireann has issued an alert for "unseasonably strong" winds over the bank holiday Credit: Meteologix 4 Rips are often found around river mouths, estuaries and man-made structures like piers and groynes Credit: Getty Images - Getty

10 popular Dublin beaches hit with ‘no swimming' notice after bathing banned at popular strand for MONTHS
10 popular Dublin beaches hit with ‘no swimming' notice after bathing banned at popular strand for MONTHS

The Irish Sun

time21-07-2025

  • The Irish Sun

10 popular Dublin beaches hit with ‘no swimming' notice after bathing banned at popular strand for MONTHS

SWIMMERS have been warned not to swim at ten popular Dublin beaches in the latest notice from council chiefs. It comes after a popular strand was slapped with a months-long 4 Dublin beaches have issued a 'not swim' warning due to concerns over water quality Credit: Getty 4 Swimming in poor quality water could expose beachgoers to pollution Credit: Getty 4 It can also risk creating health problems Credit: © Peter Cavanagh Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council took to A 'No They added: "No Swimming Notice in place due to heavy rainfall, swimming is not advised. "The notice for these locations is in place until at least 23rd of July. READ MORE ON IRISH NEWS "Water quality testing is ongoing, with results expected on Wednesday, 23rd July. "After heavy rain, it's important to avoid contact with the water for at least 48 hours to reduce the risk of recreational water illnesses." The reason for the ban is that the water quality at the Most read in Irish News It came into effect today for a period of five days following consultation with the The city council said:"Due to heavy rainfall, Dublin City Council has issued a temporary prohibition warning for the Dollymount Strand bathing area, effective from 21st July 2025 for a period of 5 days. The Irish cable car that's only one that crosses open sea in Europe with incredible views, stone walls & €10 tickets "The decision to remove or extend the warning will be determined by bathing water sampling. "Sample results will be made available online (DCC website and and in hardcopy format at the bathing waters as soon as possible. "The warning was erected in consultation with the Health Service Executive and the Environmental Protection Agency has been notified." ANOTHER BAN Swimming on It means swimmers can't return to the Irish sea spot until the bathing season is over, which runs from June 1 to September 15. The reason for the ban is that the water quality at the beach, tested by Dublin City The city council said: "A swim restriction applies at Sandymount Strand for the entire 2025 season. "Based on the 2021 - 2024 bathing assessment, Sandymount Strand will be classified as Poor for the 2025 season. "In accordance with 14(1)(a) of Bathing Water Regulations, a temporary restriction needs to be applied to prevent exposure of bathers to pollution." 4 A popular strand has also been slapped with a months-long swimming ban Credit: Getty

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store