Ryan urges caution around water after three deaths

Environment, Climate, Communications and Transport Minister Eamon Ryan has urged people to ‘be careful out there’ after a third water-related death last week amid a period of warm weather.

A man in his 60s died yesterday after having difficulty swimming in a lake near Portarlington, Co Laois yesterday afternoon.

Speaking this afternoon, Mr Ryan said: ‘It happens every time, it’s so predictable, but so tragic for every family’,

He offered his condolences to each of the three families who had lost loved ones.

“Let’s not make it a fourth family, destroyed, ruined, in this beautiful weather,” Mr Ryan said.

“Be careful, don’t go into waters you don’t know how safe they are, stay close to shore, take care of each other, we don’t want another tragic loss,” Ms. Ryan.

Ireland’s waterways and beaches will be very popular during these hot days. Remember to stay safe on or near water. Even shallow water in places such as streams, sewers, play ponds or garden ponds can be dangerous for children. Always supervise children near water. https://t.co/c3y9lFKbrY

— Office of Emergency Planning (@emergencyIE) July 17, 2022

Earlier this summer, agencies involved in preventing drownings in Irish waters called on the public to heed safety advice.

In total, more than 1,100 people have drowned in Ireland over the past decade, a “tragic and unnecessary loss of life and a significant public health concern”, said Water Safety Ireland Acting CEO Roger Sweeney , to RTÉ News in June.

As Ireland experiences abnormally high temperatures, a A yellow high temperature warning is in place for the whole country.

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Met Éireann said people across the country would experience “unusually hot weather” today and Monday, with daytime temperatures generally 25-30C.

Today was the hottest day of the year, with temperatures over 29°C recorded in Phoenix Park.

Temperatures of 32°C are possible in some areas tomorrow, with overnight temperatures of 15-20°C.

Monday will be unusually hot or warm with temperatures generally in the 28-32°C range and closer to the mid-20s along some coastal fringes 📈🥵

It will be dry with long sunshine ☀️

Patches of sea fog may persist along some Atlantic coasts 🌫️

Breezes will be light to moderate. pic.twitter.com/L7Lxfl1Gw2

— Met Éireann (@MetEireann) July 17, 2022

The forecaster warned of the impact of high temperatures, with the potential for heat stress, particularly among vulnerable people.

Met Éireann also issued a yellow status high temperature warning for Leinster, from midnight Monday to 7pm Tuesday, saying the province can expect maximum temperatures of 25-28C.

A return to more normal conditions is expected from Wednesday, with temperatures ranging from 16 to 20°C expected.