80% of drownings occur close to home - that's the message Irish Water Safety want to put out there this weekend.
Whether you're swimming in rivers, lakes, or the sea the appeal is to ensure you stay safe from drowning.
Chairperson of Irish Water Safety Waterford - Lola O'Sullivan told Beat News,
"There are so many areas in the South East of Ireland which are life guarded - I would appeal to people to go to beaches, rivers or lakes where lifeguards are in attendance. Then if there is any chance of something going wrong there is someone there to help them."
Should you see someone in difficulty in the water the advice is to, "always remain safe yourself, and call 112 the Irish Coastguard"
For more information on Irish Water Safety visit www.iws.ie.
