Skip to content
Sea Swimming Safety Guide
BEFORE YOU GO:
Before indulging in cold open water swimming, which can be exhilarating yet risky, consult a health care professional to discuss the potential risks of cold water immersion.
Always swim with a buddy, as it adds to the fun and ensures you can watch out for each other. Inform someone on shore about your swimming plans, including your destination and estimated return time, so they can alert help if necessary.
CHOOSE YOUR SPOT:
For the safest experience, opt for a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags.
If no lifeguard is present, make sure you know the safest points to enter and exit the water. Familiarize yourself with potential hazards and be aware of tide and current conditions. Learn how to spot rip currents and know how to escape them by swimming parallel to the shore.
HAVE THE RIGHT EQUIPMENT:
Wear a wetsuit to stay warm and increase buoyancy, allowing for longer time in the water.
Wear a brightly colored swimming hat and carry a tow float when swimming or dipping. These aids will enhance your visibility in the water, and the tow float can offer extra buoyancy if needed.
Always have a means of calling for help, such as a mobile phone in a waterproof pouch and a whistle to attract attention. Consider using safety apps like Irish Sailing SafeTrx to track your swim and alert emergency contacts if necessary.
CHECK THE WEATHER AND TIDES:
Prior to your swim, check the weather forecast and sea conditions. Stay updated if you plan to be out for an extended period, and be prepared to cancel your trip if conditions are not safe. When in doubt, prioritize your safety and refrain from going out.
ACCLIMATISATION:
Assess the water conditions before entering, especially if it's rough. Know your limits and adjust your swim distance or proximity to the shore accordingly. The colder the air and water, the shorter your swim should be to avoid rapid cooling.
Enter the water slowly to acclimatize and avoid cold water shock. Splash cold water on your neck and face, and refrain from holding your breath for too long when first entering the water.
FLOAT TO LIVE:
Water under 15°C can significantly impact your ability to breathe and move. If you experience cold water shock, fight the urge to swim. Instead, relax and float on your back until you regain control of your breathing. Then, call for help if necessary.
IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY:
In an emergency, dial 999 or 112 and request the coastguard for assistance.
Always carry a means of calling for help, such as a mobile phone in a waterproof pouch. Even with no mobile signal, attempt to call emergency services, as your phone may connect to other available networks.
Consider downloading safety apps like Irish Sailing SafeTrx to track your swim and notify emergency contacts if you're overdue.
SUMMARY:
Be prepared, check weather and tide conditions, go with a buddy, and have appropriate equipment.
Trust your instincts; if something doesn't feel right, don't hesitate to get out of the water or refrain from entering.
Acclimatize to avoid cold water shock.
Stay visible with a bright-colored swim hat and tow float.
Stay within your comfort depths when swimming.
Remember the "Float to Live" technique in case of cold water shock.
In case of an emergency, call 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard.
Before indulging in cold open water swimming, which can be exhilarating yet risky, consult a health care professional to discuss the potential risks of cold water immersion.
Always swim with a buddy, as it adds to the fun and ensures you can watch out for each other. Inform someone on shore about your swimming plans, including your destination and estimated return time, so they can alert help if necessary.
CHOOSE YOUR SPOT:
For the safest experience, opt for a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags.
If no lifeguard is present, make sure you know the safest points to enter and exit the water. Familiarize yourself with potential hazards and be aware of tide and current conditions. Learn how to spot rip currents and know how to escape them by swimming parallel to the shore.
HAVE THE RIGHT EQUIPMENT:
Wear a wetsuit to stay warm and increase buoyancy, allowing for longer time in the water.
Wear a brightly colored swimming hat and carry a tow float when swimming or dipping. These aids will enhance your visibility in the water, and the tow float can offer extra buoyancy if needed.
Always have a means of calling for help, such as a mobile phone in a waterproof pouch and a whistle to attract attention. Consider using safety apps like Irish Sailing SafeTrx to track your swim and alert emergency contacts if necessary.
CHECK THE WEATHER AND TIDES:
Prior to your swim, check the weather forecast and sea conditions. Stay updated if you plan to be out for an extended period, and be prepared to cancel your trip if conditions are not safe. When in doubt, prioritize your safety and refrain from going out.
ACCLIMATISATION:
Assess the water conditions before entering, especially if it's rough. Know your limits and adjust your swim distance or proximity to the shore accordingly. The colder the air and water, the shorter your swim should be to avoid rapid cooling.
Enter the water slowly to acclimatize and avoid cold water shock. Splash cold water on your neck and face, and refrain from holding your breath for too long when first entering the water.
FLOAT TO LIVE:
Water under 15°C can significantly impact your ability to breathe and move. If you experience cold water shock, fight the urge to swim. Instead, relax and float on your back until you regain control of your breathing. Then, call for help if necessary.
IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY:
In an emergency, dial 999 or 112 and request the coastguard for assistance.
Always carry a means of calling for help, such as a mobile phone in a waterproof pouch. Even with no mobile signal, attempt to call emergency services, as your phone may connect to other available networks.
Consider downloading safety apps like Irish Sailing SafeTrx to track your swim and notify emergency contacts if you're overdue.
SUMMARY:
Be prepared, check weather and tide conditions, go with a buddy, and have appropriate equipment.
Trust your instincts; if something doesn't feel right, don't hesitate to get out of the water or refrain from entering.
Acclimatize to avoid cold water shock.
Stay visible with a bright-colored swim hat and tow float.
Stay within your comfort depths when swimming.
Remember the "Float to Live" technique in case of cold water shock.
In case of an emergency, call 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard.