It's important to be extra careful when your child is around water.
Drowning can happen in silence, in an instant and in a very small amount of water.
Anything that collects water can be a danger.
This can include a:
- puddle
- bucket or container
- sink
- water feature, such as a small pond, fountain or bird bath
Children who survive nearly drowning often have long-term health effects. For example, brain injuries.
Emergency action required: Call 112 or 999 immediately if:
- your child is in an emergency
Ask for an ambulance, the Garda Síochána, the fire service or the Irish Coast Guard.
Your child has an extra risk of drowning if they fall into water while wearing a nappy. Their nappy can quickly fill with water. This can take a child under water.
Keep your child safe around water outside the home
There are things you can do to keep your child safe around water outside your home.
Do
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check for things that can collect water such as ponds, barrels, water troughs, buckets and basins
-
reduce the risk of things that can collect water - you can empty them, store them upside down, fence them off or safely cover them
-
empty paddling pools after use and store them so that they cannot fill with rain water
-
be aware of puddles - children can drown in small amounts of water
-
fence off exposed areas on farms, including slurry pits
Don't
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do not leave your child alone in a paddling pool
-
do not leave your child alone on a farm - farm safety for babies and children
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do not leave an older child to mind a younger child close to or in the water
Swimming and water safety
Swimming is an enjoyable activity. But it is important to teach children how to be safe in the water.
The World Health Organisation recommends formal swimming lessons for children from age 6. But you can help them to become familiar with water earlier.
There are things you can do to make sure your child is safe in and near water.
Do
-
stay within arm's reach of small children - they can move quickly and drown in seconds
-
check how deep the water is and if there are any sudden drops
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stay away from the edge when you are near a pool or water
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make sure arm bands and other floating aids have an approved, current safety standard mark (I.S. EN131138 and the CE mark) and fit properly
-
look out for the giant hogweed plant in fresh water - it can cause skin irritation
Don't
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do not not let your child stay too long in cold water - take them out to warm up if they start to shiver or get cramps
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do not let your child to go swimming if they are sick
Rivers, lakes, ponds, swimming pools and the sea
Water Safety Ireland has a list of beaches and waterways with lifeguards on duty during the summer.
Some beaches in Ireland have flags to show if it is safe to swim. Swim in the space between the flags that are half red and half yellow. This is called a swim zone. People who bodyboard should also swim here.
Do not swim:
- when there is a plain red flag
- between black and white checkered flags - these are spaces for surfers and windsurfers
Check conditions, tide times and forecasts before swimming at Beaches.ie.
Lifeguards
Lifeguards are trained to prevent drowning and to rescue people. But it is not their job to watch your child at all times.
Do not let your child out of your sight when they are in or near water.
Using a buggy or pram near water
When you use a buggy near water, always:
- apply the brakes
- stay within arm’s reach
- keep it away from the water’s edge
The ground may be uneven or unstable.
Water safety on holiday
In other countries, there may not be lifeguards on duty or signs and flags to show if it is safe to swim. Supervise your child at all times.
If your holiday destination has a swimming pool nearby, keep careful watch of your child. Make sure there is a locked gate or door between your child and the pool.
Sailing, boating and water sports
Always wear approved life jackets or floating aids for boating and water sports.
Make sure any life jackets or floating aids are:
- in good condition
- the right size
- fastened properly
Before your child does any water sports or boating activities:
- make sure your child is familiar with basic swimming skills and water safety rules
- supervise your child closely at all times, even if they are confident swimmers
- tell your child to follow instructions from adults or qualified instructors during organised activities
- set clear boundaries of where your child can go
- check that equipment is well-maintained and suitable for your child’s age and ability
- teach your child to never run or play near docks or boats in an unsafe way
- check local weather conditions and water currents - these can change quickly and have unexpected risks
- know your child's plans and when they expect to return
- put a mobile phone in a waterproof pouch in case of an emergency
Accidents and emergencies
Learn how to respond if someone gets into difficulty.
If a child is in difficulty in water
Immediate actions:
- Call for help - phone 112 or 999 immediately.
- Use rescue equipment - throw a ring buoy or flotation device if available.
- Act safely - only enter water if it is safe to do so.
- Guide them to safety - talk the person through floating techniques or guide them to shallow water.
Float to live technique
If you or someone else unexpectedly enters water:
- Tilt the person's head back with their ears submerged.
- Get them to relax and breathe normally.
- Move hands gently to help stay afloat.
- Spread arms and legs for stability - it is normal if legs sink.
- When breathing is controlled, call for help or swim to safety.
Using a ring buoy
To use a ring buoy:
- Secure the rope before throwing it.
- Aim beyond the person so the rope can be pulled to them.
- Shout clearly: "Ring buoy! Ring buoy! Ring buoy!"
- Tell the person to hold the ring buoy.
- Pull them steadily to shore while providing reassurance.
- Get others to help you.
Important
Do not let children play or interfere with life-saving rings or ring buoys. Damaging or tangling them may mean they cannot be used when needed to help someone else.
