Ireland's waters claimed 78 lives in a year as urgent safety appeal issued
Water Safety Ireland is calling for the public to be more cautious as 78 people drowned last year. This is the same figure as 2023, and 34 fewer than the ten-year average.
Males are far more likely to be victims of drowning in Ireland. Some 56 of those who drowned last year were male and 22 were female, while four of these were under the age of 18.
National Safety Awareness Week kicked off on Monday as the campaign appeals for people to enjoy the water, but respect the risk. Chair of Water Safety Ireland Clare McGrath said: 'Ireland is currently enjoying warmer weather, however our waterways are still quite cold.
"Please don't underestimate the risk of cold water or overestimate your ability to swim in cooler open waters that have hidden currents. Swim in areas that are traditionally known to be safe, stay within your depth and supervise children closely.'
The campaign kicks off as over a quarter of summer drownings happen in June, with 43% of all drowning cases happening between June and August. Ms McGrath continued: 'Now is the time during National Water Safety Awareness Week to learn how to enjoy the water and respect the risk.
'With a little preparation and awareness, everyone can enjoy the water more confidently and safely. This is not about restriction—it's about empowerment. By taking simple steps, people can make water activities safer and more enjoyable for all.'
In the last five years, males accounted for 69% of all drownings and those in their 40s, 50s and 60s are the most at-risk age groups. Notably, 67% of all accidental drownings followed land-based activities—such as walking, hiking, foraging, fishing from the shoreline, cycling, or driving—underscoring how quickly everyday situations can turn hazardous near water.
Water Safety Ireland has given ten tips to swimmers and parents to enjoy open water safely this summer. These include never leaving children unattended near water, wearing life jackets during boating or water sports, swimming with a companion, and knowing your ability.
Swimmers should also follow safety signs, check the weather forecast and water conditions and swim close to lifeguards. Next month lifeguards will begin patrolling across the country, and their working hours can be checked on Water Safety Ireland's website.
Adults are also warned to never swim or operate a watercraft under the influence of alcohol. This comes as a young boy tragically died over the weekend after getting into difficulty in the water at Lissadell Beach, Sligo.
Seven-year-old Alan Singh was airlifted to Sligo University Hospital at around 3.30pm on Saturday, but sadly was later pronounced dead. His father posted online: 'It's with great sadness that we have experienced the loss of my beautiful son Alan.
'Thank you to all my family, friends and customers for their kindness and support at this difficult time.' Last week, two teenagers drowned at Ned's Point in Buncrana, Co Donegal.
Emmanuel Familola, 16, and Matt Sibanda, 18, sadly lost their lives after they entered the water to retrieve a ball. Both boys were living locally with their families in IPAS centres.
Local TD Jack Murray told RTÉ that the community was 'absolutely devastated' following the tragedy. Speaking last week, he said: 'I've just visited the IPAS centre and obviously they were loved because those people in that community are absolutely devastated.
"There's no words that you can describe how hurt everybody is - their community, our community. We're as one as we grieve this horrible news." Last November, rescue crews searched for Máire Ní Fhátherta who was missing after swimming in Galway.
The 32-year-old went for a swim at Silverstrand near Barna and never returned home. A week after she was reported missing, her body was sadly found a couple hundred metres from her swimming spot.
Just hours after she was reported missing, the body of a man was found at Silverstrand. It was discovered to be 74-year-old songwriter Johnny Dunhan, who swam at the beach every day.
Known for writing Christy Moore's The Voyage, Johnny was described as a talented musician and a 'family man'. Paying tribute to him, Christy said: 'Family Man, gentle man, artist and, it must be said, an almighty Rock and Roller when he fronted his Band 'Granny's Intention' 60 years ago. Farewell Johnny Boy… see you later.'
Their deaths were two of the 78 tragedies that occurred in Irish waters in 2024. Last October, two women died within the space of 24 hours in separate accidents off the coast of north Dublin.
One woman died after getting into difficulty swimming in Portmarnock, while another sadly lost her life off the coast at Clontarf.
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