WATER safety chiefs have issued an urgent warning ahead of the busy summer season – after the latest swimming tragedies in Irish waters.
As the weather improves and the evenings are getting brighter, more people are expected to return to the water for activities such as swimming and surfing.
Water Safety Ireland is urging the public to be more cautious while walking on the coast or doing water activities after six tragic teenagers died in swimming tragedies within weeks.
Talking to the Irish Mirror, Deputy CEO Roger Sweeney said: “We urge everyone – parents, carers, communities, and individuals – to talk about water safety before you even leave the house, especially during warm weather when more people are drawn to the water.”
He urges parents to take a moment and teach their children the precise boundaries of Irish waters and conversation about how to stay safe while swimming.
He added: “When you bring children or friends to a waterway, take a moment to visualise drawing an imaginary line on the ground, a clear boundary that must not be crossed until you’ve assessed the risks and had a real conversation about safety.
“Once there, swim within your depth, stay within your depth and don’t take your eyes off children — not even for a second. They need constant, uninterrupted adult supervision. That means active watching — not just being nearby.”
Mr Sweeney also highlighted the importance of knowing the “lifesaving equipment” such as ringbuoys and how it is crucial to never tamper with them as it can save lives when needed.
He continued: “Talk to them about the importance of lifesaving equipment like ringbuoys — and why it’s crucial never to tamper with or misuse them.
“These are small actions — but they can make the biggest difference.”
Water Safety Ireland chiefs have also warned of the dangers of rip currents.
They said: “Rip currents are powerful, narrow channels of fast-moving water that can pull swimmers away from shore.
“If caught in one, don’t panic, swim parallel to the beach to escape the current, then head back to shore.”
It is also vital to be aware of the water and tide times and have someone to watch them before entering.
Head of Operations Section at the Irish Coast Guard, Kevin Whitney, highlighted the alarming rise in drownings this year.
He said: “In May 2025, the number of drownings has doubled compared to the same period in 2024, bringing tragic loss to families across the country.”
He urged everyone to be “mindful of the dangers, plan ahead, and follow the appropriate safety guidelines” .
And if you see somebody in trouble on the water, along the coast or think they are in trouble, use marine VHF radio Ch 16 or dial 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.
MEATH INCIDENT
The urgent appeal comes after the tragic death of Kofi Owusu, who lost his life while swimming at Laytown Beach in Co Meath, marking the sixth swimming tragedy within six weeks.
His body was recovered from the River Nanny in Laytown, Co Meath, on Friday night — three hours after the alarm was raised.
Kofi was with friends enjoying the hot weather in the water near Laytown Beach when tragedy struck.
A member of the public called emergency services at around 6.15 pm and a major search got underway involving the Irish Coast Guard Rescue 116 helicopter the Drogheda Coast Guard.
At around 9.30pm, a body was recovered from the water following the operation.
SAFETY ADVICE FOR WATER-BASED ACTIVITIES
If you are sailing or motorboating:
- Always wear an appropriate lifejacket
- Always carry a means of calling and signalling for help
- When engaging in any boating activity; Ensure there is an emergency action plan in place, and everybody has an onboard briefing
- Get the right level of training for your craft
- Always check the weather and tide times
- Make sure someone on the shore knows where you are going and who to call if you don’t return on time.
- Always operate your boat at a speed that is appropriate to the weather conditions and to the environment you are operating in.
If you are swimming:
- Water temperatures are still cold at this year of the year, consider wearing a wetsuit to stay warm
- Acclimatise slowly
- Check the weather forecast and tide times
- Never swim alone and always ensure that your activity is being monitored by a colleague
If you are heading out on the water or visiting the coast:
- Always check the weather and tide times
- Tell someone where you are going and what time you will be back
- Wear a lifejacket when angling on the shoreline or riverbanks
- Stay away from the water’s edge when out walking
- Ensure children are under constant adult supervision when close to large bodies of water
Kofi was from the Blackrock area of Dundalk and had travelled from the northeast town to Laytown with his pals.
In an emotional post by his football club Redeemer Celtic, they lay two No 6 jerseys and flowers on their pitch in his memory.
In a post on social media, the club said: “We are Heartbroken. Closed until further notice.”
Colaiste Chu Chulainn Principal Thomas Sharkey also paid tribute, saying the school community was “heartbroken” by the teen’s death.
He also described Kofi as “a fine young man, a very kind, a very caring and a very diligent student”.
He added: “He’s an excellent sportsman. He had just played in an All-Ireland basketball final and in a Leinster soccer final in his age group of under-16.
“He finished his Junior Cert exams only 10 days ago, and his older sister was a past pupil of our school. Kofi and his family are in all of our thoughts.”
