BEACH PLEASE
Urgent warning for Irish swimmers as popular beach hit with ‘do not swim’ notice over water safety fears
It's not the only beach that is experiencing restrictions
AN urgent "do not swim" notice has been issued at a popular beach in Co Wexford due to elevated levels of E-Coli in the water.
The HSE warned that the issued notice, which has been implemented with immediate effect, is necessary in the interest of public health.
2
2
The notice was issued after testing at St Helen's Beach in Rosslare.
St Helens Bay Beach is a secluded beach in a sheltered bay south of Rosslare Euro Port that is a popular choice for swimmers.
The testing was conducted as part of the Council's normal monitoring of bathing water quality - and showed elevated levels for E.Coli bacteria.
The warning notices in accordance with the Bathing Water Quality Regulations 2008 and in the interest of public health.
READ MORE IRISH NEWS
Samples have been taken today and results are expected on Wednesday of this week.
The bathing prohibition notices will be reviewed at this stage, but the lifting of the notice depends on the quality of the water.
The Council’s Environmental Technical Team are investigating the matter.
Several other beaches across Ireland currently have swim restrictions.
MOST READ ON THE IRISH SUN
Seapoint beach in Co Louth, which has a designated bathing area approximately 1270m in length, was placed under a restriction last week due to pollution.
Urgent warning to any parents taking their babies swimming on holiday this summer
Bathing is temporarily prohibited in the area as water quality is deteriorated due to suspected agricultural activities/runoff.
Clifden Beach, a small sheltered sandy beach located close to Clifden Town in Co Galway, also has a reported restriction that is expected to last a year.
A 'do not swim' notice has been issued for the bathing area, which is located down a narrow road called 'The Beach Road'.
Clifden Beach was declassified in 2021 due to Poor water quality and had been classified as poor from 2016 to 2020.
Clifden Beach is no longer an identified/regulated bathing water, but continues to be monitored by Galway County Council as an other monitored water.
The 'do not swim' notice was issued in March and is expected to stay in place for at least 365 days.
Water Safety Ireland has urged people not to underestimate the dangers of swimming.
Swimming in cold water can result in the rapid cooling of muscles needed to swim and stay afloat.
WATER-BASED ACTIVITY SAFETY
THE Coast Guard, Water Safety Ireland & the RNLI have issued advice to help keep people safe at Ireland’s waterways.
- Check the forecast for your local area, including tide times and sea conditions for coastal activities.
- Always carry a means of calling for help and keep it within reach.
- Water temperatures are still cold. Acclimatise by getting in slowly, swim within your depth and avoid staying in the water for extended periods.
- Swimmers should be aware of rip currents and if caught in one should swim parallel to shore and then back to land.
- Swim with others, never alone, in recognised, traditionally safe bathing areas. Check lifeguarded waterways.
- Supervise children at all times near water and never use inflatable toys in open water
- If you find yourself struggling in the water unexpectedly remember Float to Live.
- Stranding is a risk when low tides expose areas of the coastline for walkers to explore sandbanks.
- Wear a Personal Flotation Device when paddleboarding, kayaking or boating, or when angling from shore.
- Avoid alcohol as it impairs judgment, balance and coordination
The safety bosses said: "Water Safety Ireland is cautioning people not to underestimate the dangers of swimming in cold water.
"The caution comes as air temperatures rise however water temperatures are still cold.
"Swimming in cold water can result in the rapid cooling of muscles needed to swim and stay afloat.
"Swim within your depth, swim briefly and be mindful that any cooling of the muscles can make it more difficult to swim safely."
The organisation have advised people to always swim and stay within their depth, swim briefly and be mindful of the cool water.
You should make sure that the edges are shallow shelving so that you can safely and easily enter and exit the water.
Members of the public should always enter the water slowly to acclimatize as sudden immersion in cold water can result in cold shock.
The shock can lead to deep gasping, uncontrollable, rapid breathing and panic.
People should only swim at lifeguarded waterways which are available to check online.