Sea Safety | Skerries Coast Guard

Golden Rules

The 5 Rules of Water Safety

Before entering the water or going out on a vessel, assess the conditions. Check weather, tides, sea state, and your own abilities honestly.

Never swim, kayak, or go to sea alone. Always have someone who knows where you are and when to expect you back.

Always tell a responsible person your planned route, your expected return time, and what to do if you don't come back.

If you get into difficulty, call for help immediately. Do not wait until the situation is critical. Call 112 or send a Mayday on VHF Ch. 16.

If you see someone in difficulty, do not enter the water. Throw something that floats, call 112, and shout to keep them calm.

Activity Advice

🏊 Swimming & Wild Swimming ⌄

Only swim at lifeguarded beaches where possible. Skerries South Beach and Red Island Beach are monitored during summer months.
Check the tide before swimming — tidal currents around Skerries Islands can be very strong.
Wear a brightly coloured swim cap so you are visible from the shore.
If caught in a rip current, swim parallel to the shore, not against it.
Cold water shock is a serious risk even in summer — enter the water slowly.
Never swim under the influence of alcohol.

🚣 Kayaking & Paddleboarding ⌄

Always wear a buoyancy aid (lifejacket) — it won't help if it's on the boat.
File a float plan: tell someone where you're going and when you'll be back.
Carry a VHF radio or at minimum a waterproof mobile phone.
Check the weather forecast and sea state before launching — Met Éireann marine forecasts are free at met.ie.
Avoid the open water around Skerries Islands in strong onshore winds or swell above 1m.
Wear a leash when paddleboarding — if you fall, your board is your life raft.

🎣 Angling & Rock Fishing ⌄

Rock fishing is one of the highest-risk activities on the Irish coast. Always wear a lifejacket.
Check tide and swell height before fishing from rocks — a 2m swell can sweep people off without warning.
Never turn your back to the sea.
Fish with a partner — alone on rocks is extremely dangerous.
Wear non-slip footwear. Wet rocks and waders are a lethal combination.
Know how to self-rescue and how to call for help from your location.

⛵ Boating & Sailing ⌄

Ensure your vessel is seaworthy and all safety equipment is on board and in date (flares, lifejackets, first aid kit, VHF radio, anchor).
File a passage plan with a shore contact before departure.
Keep a continuous watch on VHF Channel 16.
Know how to issue a Mayday call: "Mayday Mayday Mayday — [vessel name] — [position] — [nature of distress] — [number of persons on board]".
Check your engine, fuel, and bilge before every trip.
Carry charts or a reliable navigation app for the Irish Sea.

🏃 Cliff Walking & Coastal Walks ⌄

Stay on marked paths and behind cliff barriers — cliff edges can be unstable.
Do not climb down to beaches via unmanaged cliff faces.
Check the tide times before accessing beaches only reachable at low tide.
Wear appropriate footwear for coastal terrain.
Carry a fully charged phone and know your location — the what3words app is useful in an emergency.