A local man has called for people to remain safe around water while out enjoying the good weather.
Co. Cavan native Jamie Farrelly is the Regional Education Officer at Water Safety Ireland.
His region covers Cavan, Monaghan, Longford, Offaly, Laois, Westmeath, Carlow, Kilkenny, and Louth.
Recent research from Water Safety Ireland show that most accidental drowning victims never intended to enter the water and were engaged in land-based activities, not swimming.
The organisation is urging the public to plan ahead for a safe summer by encouraging friends and family to stay away from the water’s edge when walking, to always wear a lifejacket for activities on or near water, totake training courses in advance of any aquatic activity, and to always swim within your depth.
Speaking on the Joe Finnegan Show this morning, Jamie said that small rules could make a difference.
He said: "There is a definite need to be more aware when we are around the edge of waterways.
"Some small things. We have a rule called SAFE, which stands for: Stay Away From Edges.
"All we are asking people to do is to keep a minimum of a two step distance away from the edge.
"It is areas like banks of a river or sand dunes, where we don't know or we can't trust the integrity of what we're standing on," he added.
