Christmas swimmers have been warned about the dangers of drinking alcohol before or after charity dips on December 25th. Lorna Siggins, Marine Correspondent.
"It is a fallacy that alcohol will keep you warm when entering the water," Irish Water Safety says.
The effects of alcohol on the body's metabolism are such that none should be taken before or after such cold-water activities, it says, and people with heart conditions or similar ailments should also resist participating in such swims at this time of year.
The growth of algae on steps near bathing place also makes it hazardous for elderly people, it says, and those swimmers who decide to remain in the water for extended periods out of "bravado" are not doing themselves or the rescue and ambulance services, any favours. "Get in, get out and dry off well!" the group says.
It also says that organisers of charity swims at sea, on lakes and in rivers should give comprehensive details of each event to the Coastguard and local gardaí.
If the seas are rough and the weather deteriorates, the event should be deferred to a more suitable day, it says.
Ten people on average die in drowning incidents over the Christmas and new year period, according to IWS statistics, and 108 died in this manner over the festive season in the decade to 2001. Recent statistics indicate that more people are still drowning by suicide than accidentally and it has set up an initiative with the Samaritans to try and dissuade people from taking their lives.
Last year, 76 people committed suicide in the water, while 62 drowned accidentally.
Irish Water Safety intends to place stickers giving the Samaritans helpline at the most frequent suicide locations on the coastline and on riverbanks over the next few months. It has appealed to people who find themselves in these circumstances to make contact with the Samaritans helpline at 1850 609090.
The Irish Coastguard Marine Rescue co-ordination centres can be reached at: Valentia, Co Kerry, tel (066) 947 6109; Dublin at (01) 662 0922, and Malin Head, Co Donegal, at (077) 70103.