Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council sign up to become a Local Ambassador for the RNLI

As the summer approaches, dlr is encouraging people to come and visit its beaches but is also reminding everybody of the dangers the water can pose.

An Cathaoirleach, Cllr Una Power said,

The Council is pleased to become a RNLI Local Ambassador. This is a great way for us to help the RNLI get important water safety information across to the wider public in our council area. It is our hope that work such as this will help to reduce water-based incidents and drownings.  People visit the coast and our beaches to enjoy a range of activities by the sea and we want to help ensure they do so safely”

Darina Loakman, Dún Laoghaire RNLI Water Safety Adviser added,

We would like to thank the Council and the many other local businesses in Dublin who have pledged to share advice that will help keep people safe around the coast.

Last year during some weekends over the summer, there were multiple lifeboat launches for our volunteer crew here at Dún Laoghaire RNLI. The increased popularity of a range of water sports has seen more people in the water and we have also seen a rise in people getting cut off by the tide and becoming stranded.  Over half the people that get into trouble in the water didn’t expect to get wet so having organisations such as the council working to deliver safety advice in this way is wonderful”

Meanwhile, the Council has increased the number of beach lifeguards on duty this year. Seapoint, Sandycove and Killiney have a lifeguarding service during the bathing season from 1 June to the 15 September. Lifeguards are on duty from 12 noon to 6pm Monday to Friday and from 11am to 6pm Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays.

RNLI Safety Message:

• Check tide times and heights,
• Always carry a means of communication,
• Always let family/friends know where you are going and when you will return,
• In case of emergency call 112/999 or use VHF Channel 16 and ask for the Coast Guard.