Kevin Rahill has over 20 years’ experience of working in prevention with the RNLI, including managing and supporting volunteers, and engaging with partners, like Irish Coast Guard, Water Safety Ireland, HM Coastguard, RLSS, and local authorities. He was also crew member at Wicklow Lifeboat Station.

Kevin knows accidents happen, and that open water is unpredictable, but by following his advice below, you can always enjoy the water more safely, and understand exactly what to do if something does go wrong.

Before you go

Going for a swim in cold, open water can be exhilarating, but it’s not without risk. So if it’s your first time open water swimming or cold water dipping, it’s important to speak to a health care professional to discuss the risks of cold water immersion before you go.

Where you can, arrange to go with a buddy. Open water swimming is much more fun with someone else, and you can look out for each other. It’s also good to tell someone on shore where you are going and when you will be back. They’ll be able to call for help if you are overdue.

If you are new to an area, or new to open water swimming or dipping, don’t be afraid to ask someone who is more experienced about the area and any potential hazards. They may also know of alternative spots when your chosen area is not safe due to wind or tide.

Choose your spot

When at the coast, it’s best to choose a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags.

If there is no lifeguard cover, make sure you know:

• Where you can enter and exit the water
• Your location – are there any hazards you need to be aware of?
• What the tide and currents are doing – check the tide times before entering the water
• How to spot rip currents
• What to do if you get caught in a rip current – Don’t try to swim against it. If you can stand, try to wade rather than swim. Next, swim parallel to the shore until free of the rip and then head for shore. Raise your hand and shout for help.

Have the right equipment

Consider wearing a wetsuit. It’ll help you stay warm and can increase your buoyancy, so you can stay in the water for longer.

Wear a brightly-coloured swimming hat and take a tow float with you when swimming or dipping. These will help you to be seen in the water and a tow float can act as extra buoyancy if you need it.

Always take a means of calling for help with you, such as a mobile phone in a waterproof pouch and a whistle to attract attention. You might like to download the Irish Sailing SafeTrx app, which can track your swim and alert emergency contacts if you fail to return home on time.

Make sure you have plenty of warm clothes and a warm drink for after your swim. It is important to warm yourself up carefully.

Check the weather and tides

Always check the weather forecast and sea conditions before you set off. If you’re planning to be out for a long time, get regular updates. And be prepared to change your plans or cancel the trip if the forecast is not safe. If in doubt, don’t go out.

Check the weather – Met Éireann

Check the tides – https://www.sailing.ie/Tides / Ireland Tides – Tides Near Me

Acclimatisation

Before you enter the water, assess the conditions. If the water is too rough for swimming, don’t get in. Know your limits – depending on the conditions, you may need to swim less or closer to the bank or shore.

The temperature of the air and water is also important – the colder the water and air temperature, the quicker you will cool down. So the colder it is, the less time you should spend in the water.

When you go open water swimming, it’s very important to enter the water slowly and allow time for your body to get used to the cold. Never jump or dive straight in, as this could cause cold water shock.

To help yourself acclimatise, splash the cold water on your neck and face. Try not to hold your breath for an extended time when you first get into the water.

Once you are in the water, remember that cold water immersion can seriously affect your swimming ability. Stay within your depths and swim parallel to the shore. The wind and tide can push you off course when open water swimming, keep an eye on your exit point and make sure you can return to it.

Know what to do

Entering water under 15°C can seriously impact your ability to breathe and move. If you get into the water too quickly or fall in unexpectedly, you may experience cold water shock.

If this happens, fight your instinct to swim. Relax and float on your back until you can control your breathing and the shock passes. Then you can call for help.

When open water swimming, you might get tired. Roll on to your back to rest and hold on to something that floats, like your tow float. Then you can signal for help if needed.

In an emergency call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.

The RNLI’s Volunteer Lifeboat Crews safe lives at sea 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. They know exactly what open water is capable of, and what can, and does, go wrong.

Accidents happen, open water is unpredictable, but by taking the precautions listed above you can enjoy the water more safely, always.