Minister Buttimer Urges Everyone to Practice Water Safety

• Public urged to stay safe on water
• Visit www.watersafety.ie for tips and guidance

The Minister of State with responsibility for Community Development and Charities, Jerry Buttimer, TD, has today (Tuesday, 23 June 2026) urged swimmers, bathers and other water users to stay safe and take all necessary precautions when swimming during the current spell

of warm weather. Minister Buttimer, who has responsibility for water safety, made the call as temperatures are set to increase following a yellow weather warning.

Minister Buttimer said:

“Unfortunately incidences of drowning increase greatly during warm weather. The fine weather attracts people who may not be used to open waters. We have fantastic natural amenities and we want everyone to enjoy them safely. Ireland is currently enjoying warmer weather, however our waterways are still quite cold. Please don’t underestimate the risk of cold water or overestimate your ability to swim in cooler open waters that have hidden currents.

“I urge everyone to take some basic precautions including staying within their depth; always make sure children are adequately supervised; swim where lifeguards are on duty or in safe swimming areas where ring buoys are present and never use inflatable toys on open water. People should not enter the water after consuming alcohol which is a factor in one third of drownings.

“Water Safety Ireland has issued practical advice on how to stay safe near water and on how to save the life of someone who is in difficulty in the water. I urge people to visit www.watersafety.ie for information of the dangers of open water and for advice and tips on how to enjoy the water while staying safe.”

Minister Buttimer concluded:

“Our waters are a wonderful resource but approximately 80 people lost their lives on them in 2025. Every loss of life is a tragedy which can devastate families and loved ones.”