Responsible behaviour around water saves lives. As we spend more time near the water over the summer months, Water Safety Ireland and the RNLI provide clear, practical guidance for staying safe on and near the water.
Tragically, several fatalities have already occurred on Irish inland waterways this year - a stark reminder of the hazards associated with our inland waters.
Marine Notice 57 delivers key safety messages, focusing on specific risks identified through previous incidents. We encourage all waterway users to view, share, and promote these messages widely:
- RNLI – Float to Live: Float To Live – What To Do In An Emergency – RNLI & https://rnli.org/video-player/7B4CC3A8-B63E-431C-A78A3DE610F6D4EB. (Also shared on Waterway Ireland social media)
- Water Safety Ireland – Angling Safety: https://youtube.com/shorts/HNcPJw4vA8g?si=36Epvfsk71Xbj0T-
- Water Safety Ireland – Alcohol and Water Safety: National Water Safety Awareness Week - "One Too Many"
- Water Safety Ireland: Open Water Swimming – Water Safety Ireland
We urge all users to reflect on these messages, stay alert to hazards, and share the campaign widely. Your engagement could help save lives!
- Boats & Swimmers should not be in the same space!
- Do not swim in or near Locks
- Safety Notice for Boaters Liquefied Petroleum Gas: Marine Notice No. 127 of 2025 - All Navigations
- Mandatory Wearing of Personal Flotation Devices at Navigation Locks: Marine Notice No. 35 of 2026
Waterways Ireland thanks the public for their ongoing cooperation and commitment to safe and enjoyable use of our inland waterways.
Peter Harty
Inspector of Navigation
Inspectorate.Athlone@waterwaysireland.org