‘This behaviour poses a serious and immediate risk to life.’

13:09, 29 May 2026Updated 13:14, 29 May 2026

The Tibbotstown Reservoir in Carrigtwohill(Image: Google Earth)

With the weather taking a turn for the better, many Rebels will be keen to head for a swim over the coming months. However, during the recent heatwave, some swimmers decided to take a dip in a Cork reservoir, with Uisce Éireann now warning of the hidden hazards at the site that can be easy to miss.

The national utility supplier emphasised that swimming at the Tibbotstown Reservoir in Carrigtwohill, in any capacity, poses a serious risk. The sites are fenced off for good reason, and there are many warning signs in place.

However, during the recent spell of warm weather, groups of people were seen climbing onto the dam structure and valve tower and jumping into deep water. A spokesperson for Uisce Éireann warned that this behaviour poses a ‘serious and immediate risk to life.’

While they may look fairly harmless on the surface, reservoirs are not recreational areas. They are industrial and operational water infrastructure sites with serious, often hidden hazards and constantly changing conditions.

Hidden infrastructure below the waterline can seriously injure those jumping in, and strong, unpredictable currents can trap swimmers underwater with little hope of escape. Uisce Éireann has asked parents and guardians to remind young people of the dangers and to respect all safety signage and barriers in place at all reservoir sites

Some of the hazards at the site include:

Hidden Infrastructure Beneath the Surface : Submerged plant, valves, pipework, and operational infrastructure that are not visible from the surface and can cause serious injury or death on impact.Strong and Unpredictable Currents : Draw-off points and outlet structures can create powerful underwater currents capable of pulling swimmers below the surface, pinning them against structures, or preventing resurfacing.Deep Water : Water depths exceed 12 metres in places, and sudden immersion can lead to cold shock, panic, and disorientation, significantly increasing the risk of drowning.Dense Aquatic Vegetation : Heavy weed growth near the dam wall can entangle swimmers, with the potential to trap swimmers below the surface.Severe Risk from Fall from Height: Jumping from the dam crest or valve tower roof involves significant height and carries a high risk of serious injury, including spinal damage and impact trauma.

The Tibbotstown Reservoir is a restricted operational area, and Uisce Éireann said that climbing and accessing these areas can pose a risk to both personal safety and the water supply system at large.