Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info
Around 10 people drown in Ireland every month, with the majority of the victims being male, shocking statistics reveal.
Figures show that to date this year, 42 people have lost their lives to date after getting into difficulty, which is 10 more than during the same period last year.
The figures were released for World Drowning Prevention Day today, which honours all victims and hopes to prevent further tragedies.
The charity said this year’s figures equate to 0.82 deaths per 100,000. This is higher than in the UK, Spain and Portugal, but lower than in France, at 0.91 per 100,000, and 2.08 per 100,000 in Greece.
As part of a five-year analysis over the course of 2018 to 2022, there were 578 drownings in Ireland – which worked out at an average of 116 per year.
Water Safety Ireland said this was a marked improvement on the 132 annual average recorded between 2013 and 2017.
The charity said 69 per cent of victims were male and 61 per cent were aged between 40 and 69 years old.
In addition, they also revealed that from 2018-2022, 23 children aged 17 and under drowned – 15 boys and 8 girls.
This year, seven children aged 17 and under drowned in eight weeks.
In May, Emmanuel Familola, 16, and Matt Sibanda, 18, died after getting into difficulty in the water near Buncrana in Donegal.
Also in May, Alan Singh, 7, from Ballisodare drowned on Lissadell Beach in Sligo.
Water Safety Ireland said 67 per cent of accidental drownings follow land-based activities such as walking, hiking, foraging, or fishing.
A spokesman said: “These are everyday activities – nobody expects them to end in tragedy.
“By contrast, 22 per cent of accidental drownings happen during swimming or bathing. This drives home the core message: Anyone Can Drown, No One Should.”
It comes as Irish citizens are also vulnerable when travelling.
It comes as five Irish nationals have drowned overseas this year, in Portugal, Spain, England, the USA, and Malta.
In 2021, Ireland and Bangladesh co-led the first-ever United Nations Resolution on Drowning Prevention, adopted unanimously by all 193 UN member states.
This landmark resolution calls for evidence-based action, from national strategies to school-based education.
Water Safety Ireland’s top tips
When you get to a waterway, draw an imaginary line on the ground and before you cross it, assess the risk and keep the following in mind for a safe and enjoyable time:
Swim at Lifeguarded Waterways: Choose beaches and swimming areas where lifeguards are present. All are listed at https://watersafety.ie/lifeguards/. If there is no lifeguarded waterway nearby, swim in areas known locally to be safe
Supervise Children Constantly: Always keep a close watch on children near water. They need constant, uninterrupted, adult supervision
Avoid Alcohol: Do not consume alcohol before or during water activities
Check Weather and Tides: Look up local weather conditions and tidal information before leaving home
Wear a Lifejacket: Ensure lifejackets are worn when boating or participating in water sports
Be Cautious of Currents: Understand and respect the power of currents and tides. If caught in a rip current, swim parallel to shore until your break free
Avoid Swimming Alone: Always have someone accompany you when swimming
If you see someone in difficulty in the water, never hesitate to call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard
Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here.
