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THE PUBLIC ARE being urged to take care around water and coastal walks ahead of the August Bank Holiday weekend.
A multi-agency appeal from the Irish Coast Guard, the RNLI, and Water Safety Ireland has encouraged the public to “always think water safety” when they are on or near the water.
This includes planning and preparing before venturing out, such as checking the weather and tide forecast and ensuring you have the right equipment to allow for a safe and enjoyable time in the water.
Kevin Whitney, Operations Manager with the Irish Coast Guard said “we are seeing an increase in the number of incidents this summer involving paddleboarders, persons becoming stranded due to incoming tides, recreational boater groundings and several diving incidents”.
He advised that those partaking in water activities should ensure their life jacket is fitted correctly, and for them to tell someone ashore of their plans before entering the water.
The public is also advised to have a means of calling for help at all times, and keep a marine radio or a fully charged mobile phone in a waterproof pouch near them.
“If participating in any diving activities, then it is highly recommended that you file a float plan with someone ashore or the Coast Guard so that emergency services are aware of your location and can assist if need be”, Whitney added.
Water Safety Ireland’s CEO Joanne Walsh called on the public to respect the advice of lifeguards at beaches around the country, saying “lifeguards are trained to identify when and where it is safe to swim”.
“Rip currents are not always easy to spot and the best way to remain safe is to swim between the red and yellow flags at lifeguarded waterways”, she added.
The RNLI say they have seen an increase in lifeboats being called to the aid of people involved with water activities such as paddleboarding, kayaking and canoeing in recent years.
Their Water Safety Lead Linda-Gene Byrne said that it’s important to be aware of the safety advice before heading out into the water.
If you get into trouble in the water or along the coast, or see someone you think is in trouble, the public is asked to dial 112/999 and ask for the Coast Guard.
Met Éireann has forecast mixed conditions over the Bank Holiday weekend, with some heavy downpours expected and the chance of some localised flooding in places.
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“first time mum Zuri and experienced dad Kumar.”
Player
The mane thing is you explained the joke
That fact gives me pride. But I did paws briefly before explaining it.
Dang can’t think of any more. I’ll have to draw the lion here so…
Cub your enthusiasm!
So you’re feline proud Paul.
He is the King of the Journal ,after all !
Cuteness overload
Beautiful creatures . majestic
I’m sick to my teeth of hearing “I don’t agree with zoo’s, no animal should be caged”… In imagination land that’s a brilliant idea, all animals roaming free etc. Reality check, If it wasn’t for these “prisons” a lot of these animals would now be extinct. Case in point, Longleat in England started a conservation in the 1960′s with Africa for the rhino, can’t remember whether its the white or black one. Anyways, since they started the breeding and re-population programme, its now come off the endangered list. All because idiots think no 1 its some kinda of magic Viagra, and 2, a “lovely ornament”… So I’m a firm believer in zoo’s, well until we can sterilize these idiots so they can’t reproduce.
Well said babs
Babs, you’re talking out of your arse!
So cute. While I don’t like the idea of keeping wild animals in zoos, for reasons of safe keeping until we can stop poachers and hunters this is what we can provide. I am not saying all zoos are good. But some do their best.
Beautiful animal, would be even more so in it’s own habitat.
Without reverting to name calling and with all due respet to Dublin Zoo, the bottom line is that Zoos are an entertainment business, their financial product is the animals the house and the revenue those animals produce. Baby animals generate huge footfall resulting in huge revenue for zoos.
Animals retained in zoos are denied everything that makes their lives meaningful. Every part of their lives is controlled and manipulated. They have no choice in what or when they eat, whom they mate with, or whom they live with. They are housed in structures that are not even close to the rainforests, plains, and jungles that are their indigenous habitats.
Instead of providing lifetime care, zoos routinely trade, lend (i.e. chinese pandas are all on loan), sell, barter, and distribute animals they no longer want—despite knowing that many species form lasting bonds that are important to their long-term health and happiness. Removing animals from bonded social groups and forcing them to adjust constantly to new routines, different caretakers, and unfamiliar cagemates is disruptive and traumatic. Most animals go mad in captivity.
Zoos have ingeniously managed to tag the world “conservation” on to their product to gloss over the reality of their existence. Zoos do not save animals from extinction, they only breed them to replenish their stock. Another argument as to why a lot of animals cannot be reintroduced back into their natural habitat is because they no longer have a natural habitat due to world over-population which is increasing. So I agree with you on the sterization suggestion but as well as me, it should really include a few more humans in that.
I don’t mean to be ‘preachy’ but there is another side to zoos and I am entitled to my own opinion.
Please watch “Earthlings”, “Blackfish” and “The Ghosts in Our Machine”. It might be of further help to you.
As a fellow sentient being, the same as the fellow sentient beings held in zoos, ask youself this question, “Would I like to live my whole life like that?”.
On the ball
I don’t agree with Zoos.
Thankfully zoos can’t talk so it’s a one sided argument.
I didn’t know India had lions… I thought they were only found in Africa. Learnt something new today!
Should name the cub Gismo
have your say