Coast Guard, RNLI and Water Safety Ireland Unite Ahead of World Drowning Prevention Day
- Pat Nolan
- Jul 23
- 3 min read
Thursday 23 July 2026
The Irish Coast Guard, RNLI and Water Safety Ireland are joining together ahead of World Drowning Prevention Day this Saturday (25 July) to remember all those who have tragically lost their lives in Irish waters and to encourage everyone to stay safe when enjoying the water this summer.
This year's World Drowning Prevention Day theme, "Unite to Turn the Tide," calls on every sector of society to work together to reduce drowning by 35% by 2035. It is a timely reminder that preventing drowning is a shared responsibility and that simple safety measures can save lives.
So far this year, 37 people have lost their lives in Irish waters, with every tragedy having a devastating and lasting impact on families, friends and communities.
July 2026 is proving to be one of the busiest months in many years for Ireland's emergency water rescue services, with record levels of activity and numerous call-outs across the coast and inland waterways.
The recent spell of warm weather has seen significantly more people visiting beaches, rivers, lakes and coastal areas, resulting in a sharp increase in demand for Coast Guard, RNLI and lifeguard services. To date in 2026, the Irish Coast Guard has coordinated more than 1,700 incidents, with 385 lives saved and more than 1,600 people assisted. The scale of demand is reflected in the second week of July alone, when the Coast Guard coordinated 140 incidents—one of the highest weekly totals ever recorded.
As emergency services continue to respond to high numbers of incidents, the three organisations are urging anyone planning activities on or near the water to prepare carefully, understand the risks and make informed decisions to help ensure that everyone returns home safely.
Water Safety Advice
Whether you're swimming, boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing or simply enjoying a walk along the coast, remember to:
Check weather forecasts and tide times before heading out.
If walking along the shoreline, remain alert to rising tides, which can quickly lead to stranding.
Choose lifeguarded beaches where possible, swim with others and always stay within your depth.
Be aware of rip currents, which can quickly carry even strong swimmers away from shore.
Remember that warm weather does not mean warm water. Cold water can trigger cold-water shock, significantly increasing the risk of drowning. Enter the water slowly to allow your body to adjust.
Keep children under constant, uninterrupted supervision whenever they are near water.
Never consume alcohol before swimming, operating watercraft or spending time near the water.
Always wear a correctly fitted lifejacket or buoyancy aid when taking part in activities on the water.
Pay attention to all water safety signs, flags and local warnings.
Tell someone ashore where you are going and when you expect to return.
Always carry a reliable means of calling for help, such as a fully charged mobile phone or a marine VHF radio.
Know How to Raise the Alarm
If you see someone in difficulty on the water or along the coast, or believe they may be in trouble, dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard, or contact them on marine VHF Channel 16.
As World Drowning Prevention Day approaches, the Irish Coast Guard, RNLI and Water Safety Ireland are asking everyone to unite behind the shared goal of preventing drownings. By taking simple precautions and looking out for one another, we can all play our part in making Ireland's waters safer for everyone.
