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People warned to remain water vigilant

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THE heatwave may be over but with temperatures set to stay in the 20s for the coming weeks, people are being urged to be safe and not to swim in unguarded areas.

 

It has also emerged that warning signs telling people not to swim in unsafe waters in Gaurus have been removed.
Tragedy has struck the county’s waterways in recent weeks and there have been record numbers of rescues.

The hot spell has led to people not only taking to the beaches but also waters without lifeguards present, such as rivers, lakes, reservoirs and quarries.
While the rain has meant a reduction in the numbers of people bathing, water safety officer with Clare County Council, Liam Griffin, has reiterated his call for people to be on their guard.

“During the fine spell there were people swimming in reservoirs, quarries and other unapproved waterways but, hopefully, with the change in the weather that might stop. But the temperatures are still fairly high. I am certain the numbers swimming are reduced on what it had been in the last two weeks, but the message has to get out there not to swim in places that are not safe,” he said.

The turret in Ennis was one of many locations throughout the county that saw an upsurge in the numbers of bathers in recent weeks.

According to Mr Griffin, “While the turret is known as a traditional bathing area in Ennis; that was going back a long time. Rivers are not really recommended for bathing.
“The same advice applies, people should swim at guarded locations only. We have 12 of those across the country, ten in the west and two in the east. People should only swim where there are lifeguards present.”

The bridge at Killaloe also proved a popular bathing spot, with children seen jumping into the water. However, Mr Griffin warned this is dangerous and he has asked parents to be vigilant.
“I would urge parents to be conscious of where their children are at all times but, in particular, when they are going swimming. Jumping off a bridge is not a safe thing to do. We have signs there advising people but it doesn’t seem to make a whole lot of difference. There were signs erected at the quarry in Guarus and I understand that they were taken away,” he said.

He added, “I would further appeal to people not to be vandalising lifebuoys. This is lifesaving equipment and if it is required and damaged there could be a terrible  tragedy.”

In calling on people to swim in lifeguarded areas only, he emphasised, “You should always obey the lifeguards and if there is a red flag sign, it would indicate that the water is not suitable for swimming.
“If there is a red flag, there is a good reason for it. If you are in any doubt and you are on a lifeguarded beach, you can talk to the lifeguards. They will be happy to guide you in the right direction.”

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