4 minute read
We Always Say "It Won't Happen To Me"; So Did Those It Happened To
Summer is here and as with every Irish summer, there’s no sign of how long it'll last. We can get a bit over excited once the mercury hits the double digits, but haste makes waste. In this case, waste of life. We've put together tips to help you have a safe summer.
Beach Water Safety
• Note the location of the closest ring buoy
• Ensure you’re experienced or have someone experienced with you.
• Know the tides - check the weather and tide times before going near the water
• Always tell others when you’re heading into the water
• Enter the water slowly to acclimate
• Pay attention to signs and orders from life guards.
• Swim in designated, guarded walkways and beaches, between flags where possible.
• Swim parallel to the shore.
• In unfamiliar aquatic settings, ask advice of locals and lifeguards.
• Wear suitable clothing.
• Never enter the water at night or when it’s getting close to dark.
• Never swim when hot or tired.
• Never swim in quarries, ESB reservoirs, or tailraces.
• Do not swim out after anything drifting.
• Do not use inflatable toys in open water.
• Never jump or dive in case of hidden hazards.
• Never drink and swim
Beach Walking Safety
• Coastal walks can lead to stranding because of tides. Avoid walking on sandbanks, keep kids a safe distance from the edges of rivers, canals, and inland waterways.
• Keep an eye on the tide and the time, and stay away from the edge.
• Always carry a mobile phone.
Cold Water Immersion
• Sudden immersion in cold water increases the risk of drowning, even if the water is calm and you know how to swim.
• The cold shock response causes loss of breathing control, possible dizziness, and panic.
• Past this part, there is also risk of hypothermia and muscle cooling, which makes swimming difficult or impossible.
• If you fall into cool water, try to stay calm and relax.
• Float or tread water and get as much of yourself out of the water as possible.
• Keep your lets together and elbows by your side to reduce loss of heat.
Rip Currents
To escape a rip current sweeping you out to sea, remain calm, and swim parallel to shore until free.
FACT:
Care in Extreme heat
• Extreme heat can cause exhaustion, heat stroke, or aggravate existing conditions.
• Limit time in the sun between 11am and 3pm
• Stay hydrated.
Signs of Heat Stroke.
- Confusion, altered mental status, slurred speech.
- Heat cramps.
- Nausea and Vomiting
- Loss of consciousness
- Hot, dry skin or profuse sweating.
- Seizures.
- Very high body temperature.
- Fatal if treatment delayed.
Signs of Heat Stroke in Animals
• Animals are just as susceptible to heat stroke.
• Watch for:
- Heavy panting and difficulty breathing.
- Excessively drooling.
- Lethargic, drowsy or uncoordinated.
- Collapsing
- Vomiting.
- Dry or sticky gums.
Summer Safety
• Put on sunscreen - 30+ SPF for Adults and 50+ for children. Reapply regularly.
• Suncream alone will not protect you - shade and clothing are important.
• Wear clothes that don’t allow sunlight through
• Wide brimmed hats help protect face, ears, and neck.
• Seek shade.
• Wear sunglasses with UV protection.
• Check your medication to see if it affects your heat tolerance.
• Stay hydrated.
• If you’re Hard of Hearing, deaf, or speech impaired, register for the Emergency Call Answering Service 112 Text service.
FACT:
Dehydration
Dehydration can lead to tiredness, drymouth, confusion, lightheadedness, and headaches, and in particularly hot weather, the risk ramps up, especially as we lose fluids through sweat.
Drink a cup of water every hour in hot weather, and 1 cup every 15-20 minutes when working in the heat.
2 litres of water is the recommended amount per day.
