Ring buoys go missing across Cork

Ring buoys going missing from secluded quarries across Cork are one of many hazards swimmers should take heed of as temperatures peak today.

That’s according to lifeguard and spokesperson for Water Safety Ireland – Cork, Conall Boyle, who warned that the hot weather will draw swimmers to potentially dangerous swimming spots.

“People will be going to areas that are known to be dangerous like lakes and quarries,” he said.

“They are very secluded and there’s no one really watching them.”

On top of this, Conall revealed Cork is experiencing an ongoing issue with life-saving ring buoys being taken from quarries.

“There's a lot of people taking the ring buoys from quarries in Cork altogether – they're just missing,” he said.

He also warned that quarries tend to remain the same temperature all year round, regardless of weather, which can cause a cold shock response in swimmers.

“It looks appealing because there's no waves; it's always flat calm there. People always go jumping off rocks and they don't realize that some quarries might have petrol in them.

“There could be chemicals from working around construction and stuff like that.”

“And there's also no salt in there, so there's no real way to float,” added Conall.

Identifying if a swimmer is in distress and taking the appropriate action can be the difference between life and death, but it’s not always easy, warned Conall.

“If someone is in distress, usually how they look is they could be holding their hand up with a closed fist, but sometimes it might be an open hand just as if they were waving at you,” he explained.

“They'll be tilted backwards, like their head will be tilted all the way back. Sometimes a gasp for air. They might not call. They might not call for help.

“If you do see it happen, call 112. The Coast Guard will come to you straight away, as well as any Civil Defence,” Conall added.

RNLI urges water safety

With all of Ireland under a Status Yellow High Temperature Warning until tomorrow morning, the RNLI is reminding the public of its water safety advice, with particular focus on young people as the schools prepare to break for summer.

Finn Mullen, RNLI water safety education manager, said: “Cold water shock is a real danger. The sea or open water may look inviting during hot weather, but it remains cold enough year-round to trigger cold water shock.”

This can cause uncontrollable gasping, increased heart rate, and can lead to panic and drowning very quickly, warned Mr Mullen.

“It’s best to enter the water slowly to gradually acclimatise,” he said.

Mr Mullen added that if a person sees someone else in danger, they should not enter the water themselves as they could also end up in serious difficulty.

“Instead, remember phone, float, throw – phone 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard; tell the struggling person to float; throw them something buoyant, like a life ring,” he said.

If you find yourself in trouble in the water, the RNLI advises you to tilt your head back with your ears submerged, relax and try to breathe normally, move your hands and legs to help you stay afloat, and to call for help once your breathing is controlled.

For a full outline of the RNLI’s water safety advice, visit rnli.org.

HSE advises caution

The HSE is reminding the public to take care today as temperatures peak, and to look out for others such as neighbours and friends who may be more vulnerable.

Dr Caitriona Kelly, consultant in public health medicine, HSE National Health Protection Office, said: “High temperatures can cause people to become very sick. We are urging people to keep cool and stay hydrated during the hot weather. This is especially important for older people, young children, and those with chronic medical conditions.”

Early signs of heat exhaustion may include excessive sweating, dizziness, headache, muscle cramps, nausea, and fatigue.

Animal safety and fire risk

With a Status Orange high fire risk warning also in place, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine is advising farmers and pet owners to protect their animals and themselves while remaining vigilant to fire risks.

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon TD, said: “It is important that farmers and horse and pet owners take steps to protect their animals.

“Having adequate shelter or shade and ensuring a plentiful supply of drinking water are particularly important to protect animals from heat stroke and discomfort.”

Minister Collins also warned that a high fire risk exists in all areas where dead grasses and dry shrubs exist.

“I would encourage all landowners and managers to be vigilant to all fire activity and to report all suspicious activity to An Garda Síochána,” he said.