Water safety groups are urging swimmers to learn the warning signs of rip currents if entering the water this weekend.

With the weekend also forecasting strong winds, gusting up to Force 9 in some areas on Bank Holiday Monday, the weather is expected to increase the risk of getting into difficulty, especially on east coast beaches where offshore winds will blow from land out to sea.

The Irish Coast Guard, RNLI and Water Safety Ireland are pleading with swimmers and particularly those who may be visiting an area they are not familiar with over the Bank Holiday weekend, to learn the warning signs, read local safety notices and seek advice before entering the water.

Offshore conditions make it even easier to be swept out to sea and harder to return safely. Swimmers, paddleboarders and other water users are urged not to take to the water in such conditions. People are also warned to never use inflatable toys in open water.

Rip currents, while they can be difficult to spot, they are sometimes identified by a channel of churning, choppy water on the sea’s surface. Even the most experienced people can be caught out by rips.

To avoid a rip current:

Choose a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags which have been marked based on where it is safer to swim in the current conditions. Find your closest lifeguarded beach at https://watersafety.ie/lifeguards/
Wear a bright coloured swimming cap
Swim with others, never go alone.

If you do find yourself caught in a rip:

Don’t try to swim against it or you’ll get exhausted
If you can stand, wade don’t swim
If you can, swim parallel to the shore until free of the rip and then head for shore
Always raise your hand and shout for help
If you see someone in difficulty or suspect they are in difficulty, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard

Rips are especially powerful in larger surf, but people should never underestimate the power of any water. They are also found around river mouths, estuaries and man-made structures like piers and groynes.

 

Strong winds to increase water risks this Bank Holiday weekend was last modified: July 31st, 2025 by Rachel McLaughlin