• As thousands prepare to flock to Cork’s beaches this August bank holiday weekend, water safety officials are urgently reminding swimmers about the potentially deadly threat of rip currents, which remain a leading cause of accidental drownings along our coastline.

Cork County Council’s Water Safety Office has joined forces with the Irish Coast Guard, RNLI and Water Safety Ireland to issue crucial safety advice ahead of what’s expected to be a busy weekend at popular swimming spots from Youghal to Inchydoney.

Rip currents pose a particular danger because they can be notoriously difficult to spot, even for experienced swimmers. These powerful channels of water flow away from the shore and can quickly carry unsuspecting bathers out to deeper water.

The safety organisations are particularly concerned about visitors who may be unfamiliar with local beaches and their specific hazards. They’re urging all beachgoers to learn the warning signs, carefully read local safety notices, and seek advice from lifeguards or locals before entering the water.

To avoid getting caught in a rip current, swimmers should always choose a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags, which mark the safest areas based on current conditions. A full list of Cork’s lifeguarded beaches is available at watersafety.ie/lifeguards/.

Other essential safety measures include wearing a bright coloured swimming cap to remain visible and never swimming alone. Having others nearby can prove lifesaving if difficulties arise.

If you do find yourself caught in a rip current, the key advice is: don’t panic and don’t try to swim directly back to shore against the current. This will only exhaust you. Instead, if you can touch the bottom, wade rather than swim. If in deeper water, swim parallel to the shore until you escape the current’s pull, then angle back towards the beach.

Always raise your hand and shout for help if you’re in trouble. Anyone who spots someone in difficulty should immediately call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.

With warm weather forecast for parts of the weekend, Cork’s stunning beaches from Garretstown to Ballycotton will undoubtedly attract crowds. Taking a few moments to understand water safety could make the difference between a memorable day out and a tragedy.

For comprehensive water safety advice and information about lifeguarded beaches, visit watersafety.ie.