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A ring buoy at the Ardnacrusha, Co Clare. Shutterstock/Sean O' Dwyer
Start Of Summer
Some important and timely advice from the ESB - don't swim in reservoirs
The changing levels and pace of the water make reservoirs high risk places to swim.
THE SPELL OF warm weather has everyone longing to cool off with a swim.
And with more-than-pleasant mid-20s temperatures expected again over the bank holiday weekend, the ESB has issued a timely warning about the places we choose to take a dip.
In a statement issued yesterday, an ESB spokesperson said the energy provider wanted to remind the public about the dangers of swimming in reservoirs.
There are often hidden dangers, the spokesperson said.
This is due to the risk of uneven ground, deep waters, changing water levels and fast-flowing waters.
The waters banned include the reservoirs at Poulaphoca and Golden Falls in Wicklow, Leixlip in Kildare, Assaroe and Lough NaCung in County Donegal, Inniscarra and Carrigadrohid in Cork and the Ardnacrusha headrace and tailrace canal in County Clare.
62% of drownings in Ireland occur inland, according to Irish Water Safety.
The water safety organisation has advised people to bathe in traditionally safe bathing areas. They have also warned of the dangers of swimming for extended periods – as the water temperatures are still cold around this time of year.
They’ve released a full list of how to keep safe during the bank holiday weekend.
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