Latest news with #Linda-GeneByrne
Irish Examiner
6 days ago
- Climate
- Irish Examiner
Public urged to take safety measures as temperatures set to rise to 30C
Soaring temperatures are set to continue this weekend, with the mercury to rise above 30C in places as the country swelters in the heat. Following on from a very hot Friday, Met Éireann forecasts temperatures to reach 30C on Saturday bringing with it a status yellow temperature warning. Although we may be more used to weather warnings for storms, a warning for high temperature brings with it water safety issues due to the increased use of lakes and beaches, and an increased risk of forest fires and heat stress, the forecaster said. The whole country is subject to the status yellow temperature warning from midday on Saturday until 6am on Sunday. As the public is told to take precautions during the period of hot, sunny weather, the Irish Cancer Society said on Friday that 70% of people say sunscreen is too expensive and a tenth say they don't wear it because they cannot afford it. The charity called on local authorities across the country to allocate funding for free sunscreen dispensers, and make them available across parks, playgrounds, beaches, and local sunspots. It comes as Cork City Council is set to roll out dispensers in four locations from this Monday. It includes Marina Park, Fitzgerald's Park, Clashduv Park, and Meelick. Irish Cancer Society cancer prevention manager Kevin O'Hagan said: 'Nearly nine out of every 10 cases of skin cancer are caused by UV rays from the sun or sunbeds. 'Sun safety is vital and that means protecting your skin, wherever you are, home or abroad. With most Irish people having fair skin, this will burn much quicker at soaring temperatures, and this greatly increases the risk of skin cancer. 'That's why in our 2026 pre-budget submission, we're calling for city and county councils, especially those in coastal areas that are known sun destinations, to provide free sunscreen dispensers. We want to commend Cork City Council on taking this step forward and call on other local authorities to follow suit.' Water safety Meanwhile, the RNLI has asked those planning a trip to the coast or inland waterways to make sure they keep themselves and their families safe. They have urged people to visit a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags, to check the weather forecast and tide times, and to read local hazard signage to understand local risks. The public has been urged to keep a close eye on family, both on the beach and in the water, and to make sure people do not swim alone. 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. "Choosing a lifeguarded beach will mean our lifeguards can ensure you enjoy a safe visit. Please head to a lifeguarded beach, swim between flags. "If you find yourself in trouble, 'Float to Live'. Knowing this technique and encouraging your family to practice it, could save your life. "Whether you get into difficulty in the water at the coast or on any of our inland waters, 'Float to Live': tilt your head back, with your ears submerged. Relax and try to breathe normally. "Move your hands and legs to help you stay afloat if you need to. It's fine if your legs sink — we all float differently. By doing this, you give yourself the chance to rest and recover your breathing. "Once you've regained control of your breathing, you can call for help or swim to safety." Water Safety Ireland urged anyone visiting the beach to enter the water slowly. It said: "Whether you're swimming, surfing, or paddleboarding, make safety your top priority." Read More Younger people drinking less but smoking more cannabis than older generations
RTÉ News
7 days ago
- Climate
- RTÉ News
Yellow high temperature warning in effect for 14 counties
A Status Yellow high temperature warning has come into effect for 14 counties. The warning is in place for Carlow, Dublin, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Longford, Louth, Meath, Offaly, Westmeath, Cavan, Monaghan, Roscommon and Tipperary and is set to last until 6am tomorrow morning. Met Éireann has forecast maximum temperatures in excess of 27C combined with night-time minima in excess of 15C. It warned the public of water safety issues due to the increased use of lakes and beaches. Uncomfortable sleeping conditions and heat stress were also listed as potential impacts of the high temperatures. The forecaster added that forest fires are a possibility. A separate Status Yellow warning for the entire country will come into effect tomorrow at midday and will last until Sunday at 6am. A third warning will come into effect on Sunday afternoon affecting 17 counties, mainly in the midlands and west of the country. Swimmers urged to exercise caution during hot spell The RNLI has warned people planning to head for a swim during this weekend's hot spell to urge caution and to be aware of rip currents. Temperatures this weekend could reach near Ireland's all-time highs as Met Éireann has forecast temperatures in the "low 30s" for parts of the country. The highest recorded temperature dates back to 1887, when Kilkenny Castle hit 33.3C, and forecasters are predicting that Saturday's temperatures could come close to this. Water Safety Ireland has warned that amid the sunshine and rising tides, the risk to people also goes up. They have urged people to enjoy activities in and around water responsibly. The RNLI's Water Safety Lead has also advised people heading for a dip to go to a lifeguarded beach, because they will have checked for rip currents that morning and will put up flags in areas safe for swimming. Speaking on RTÉ's Morning Ireland, Linda-Gene Byrne said rip currents are "very, very dangerous and very hard to spot". She advised people to stand in the water, if possible, and try to wade out to the sides of the rip current. However she said that if people cannot stand, then they should "float to live". "Try and relax and breath," she said. "Move your hands and legs and float. That fast moving water will bring you back out but it will eventually start to dissipate as it goes out so you'll be able to go out to the side of the rip, parallel to the shore." Ms Byrne advised not to swim against the rip and if someone is taken out, they should put their hand up and shout for help. She advised anyone on the shore who spots someone in trouble in the water not to try and rescue them. Instead, they should ring 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard. Ms Byrne said it is important to use your voice to reassure the person in trouble and she would always advise going to a beach that has a lifeguard on duty. She said people who are new to the area should chat to locals to get an idea as to what beaches in the area are safe and to always adhere to signs. She added that lakes and rivers will also be very popular this weekend, and she warned that they tend to be colder than the see. Cold water shock passes in about 60 to 90 seconds and she advised people hit by it to "not panic, float on your back". Ms Byrne warned that there are often hidden dangers in lakes and rivers, such as rocks and debris, and people should be careful when jumping in. Meanwhile, a red forest fore warning is in place due to an "extreme fire risk". The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine said called for "high vigilance" in the coming days. Met Éireann meteorologist Linda Hughes has said that temperatures will likely be above 27C "everywhere" tomorrow. She also said that it will be warm at night and temperatures will not fall below 17C in some places, making for some uncomfortable sleeping over the next few nights. Ms Hughes said that while the highest temperature is likely to be 30C to 31C degrees, they "can't rule out" the possibility of breaking the July record of 33C. There will be cooler and fresher air moving into the southwest by Sunday evening, she said, which will move across the rest of the country on Monday. Advice issued for dealing with high temperatures The HSE has said that people most at risk during hot weather include: Babies and young children People over 65 and those with underlying health conditions, including heart and breathing problems as well as Alzheimer's disease and dementia People who spend a lot of time outside or in hot places - such as those who work outdoors or the homeless - are also at high risk. The advice for staying cool indoors is: Turn off lights and appliances not in use as they generate heat Close windows that face the sun during the day and open them at night when temperatures drop Close curtains in rooms that are exposed to the sun, sprinkle water over the skin, or keep a damp cloth on the back of the neck Use an electric fan (but only if the temperature is below 35C) Outdoors, people should: People are also advised to drink plenty of fluids. Water or oral rehydration sachets are considered the best option.
RTÉ News
7 days ago
- Climate
- RTÉ News
Swimmers warned of rip currents ahead of high temperatures
The RNLI has warned people who plan to head for a swim during this weekend's hot spell to be aware of rip currents. Temperatures this weekend could reach near Ireland's all-time highs as Met Éireann has forecasted temperatures in the "low 30s" for parts of the country. The highest recorded temperature dates back to 1887, when Kilkenny Castle hit 33.3C, and forecasters are predicting that Saturday's temperatures could come close to this. A Status Yellow high temperature warning has come into effect for 14 counties. The RNLI's Water Safety Lead, Linda-Gene Byrne advised people heading for a dip to go to a lifeguarded beach because they will have checked for rip currents that morning and will put up flags in areas safe for swimming. Speaking on RTÉ's Morning Ireland, Ms Byrne said rip currents are "very, very dangerous and very hard to spot". "You can get caught in a rip current so easily," she warned. "If you can stand, if you put your feet to the ground, try and wade out to the sides of the rip current ... if you can't, float to live," she said. "Lie on your back, ears submerged in the water where your mouth is out of the water. "Try and relax and breath. Move your hands and legs and float. That fast moving water will bring you back out but it will eventually start to dissipate as it goes out so you'll be able to go out to the side of the rip, parallel to the shore. "Do not try and swim against the rip, it's a futile exercise, you will just tire yourself out." She added: "If you do get taken out a good bit on the rip and you're out a good bit and feel like you can't get back in, put your hand up and shout for help." "If they've gotten caught in a rip current, you're going to get caught in that rip current too." Ms Byrne advised anyone on the shore who spots someone in trouble in the water not to try and rescue them. "If they've gotten caught in a rip current, you're going to get caught in that rip current too," she said, adding that they should ring 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard. "Try to give the Coastguard as much information as possible," she said. Ms Byrne said it is important to use your voice to reassure the person in trouble. "If someone's in the water, you need them to relax, you need them to not panic," she said. "Use your voice and shout out to them, say 'I see you, I know you're in trouble, emergency services are on their way, please float on your back'." RNLI advises going to beaches with lifeguards Ms Byrne said she would always advise going to a beach that has a lifeguard on duty. She said people who are new to the area should chat to locals to get an idea as to what beaches in the area are safe and to always adhere to signs. She also said lakes and rivers will also be very popular this weekend, and she warned that they tend to be colder than the see. Cold water shock passes in about 60 to 90 seconds and she advised people hit by it to "not panic, float on your back". Ms Byrne warned that there are often hidden dangers in lakes and rivers, such as rocks and debris, and people should be careful when jumping in. Meanwhile, a red forest fore warning is in place due to an "extreme fire risk". The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine said called for "high vigilance" in the coming days. Advice issued for dealing with high temperatures The HSE has said that people most at risk during hot weather include: Babies and young children People over 65 and those with underlying health conditions, including heart and breathing problems as well as Alzheimer's disease and dementia People who spend a lot of time outside or in hot places - such as those who work outdoors or the homeless - are also at high risk. The advice for staying cool indoors is: Turn off lights and appliances not in use as they generate heat Close windows that face the sun during the day and open them at night when temperatures drop Close curtains in rooms that are exposed to the sun, sprinkle water over the skin, or keep a damp cloth on the back of the neck Use an electric fan (but only if the temperature is below 35C) Outdoors, people should: People are also advised to drink plenty of fluids. Water or oral rehydration sachets are considered the best option.
The Irish Sun
09-07-2025
- Climate
- The Irish Sun
Urgent water safety alert to Irish families ahead of 30C heat blast as experts warning ‘no flags means no lifeguards'
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 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
