- The Irish Coast Guard, Water Safety Ireland and RNLI urged water safety on the bank holiday weekend.
- Storm Austen is expected to bring strong winds and heavy rain.
- People should check weather and tide times before coastal walks.
- Swimmers should avoid entering the water during stormy weather.
- The organisations reflected on the busiest summer on record for search and rescue.
The Irish Coast Guard, Water Safety Ireland and the RNLI have urged the public to keep water safety in mind on the October bank holiday weekend as storm Austen approaches. With clocks going back daylight hours will be getting shorter water temperatures are dropping and the weather is changing with a storm warning issued for parts of Ireland.
The warning comes as the three organisations reflect on the busiest summer on record for search and rescue incidents. Storm Austen is expected to bring strong winds and heavy rain to parts of Ireland. People should exercise caution if visiting the shoreline especially along exposed cliffs seafronts and piers.
Those heading out for cliff beach and coastal walks should check weather and tide times before setting out and be aware of the risk of being cut off by incoming tides. Swimmers should avoid entering the water during stormy weather or when strong winds waves or currents make swimming unsafe. If you see somebody in trouble on the water use marine VHF radio Ch 16 or dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.
