The number of casualties rescued from beaches, rivers and lakes by lifeguards last month fell by almost 60 per cent compared with July 2014.
New figures collated by Irish Water Safety (IWS) show there were 173 rescues in the Republic last month, compared with 413 the year before.
IWS suggested the drop in numbers may be due to the “poor summer” Ireland has had weather-wise.
There were 278 lost children reunited with their parents at beach, river and lake areas. IWS said another 8,665 accidents were prevented by the “proactive actions” of lifeguards.
IWS chief executive John Leech said he was urging the public to use local authority-staffed and lifeguarded bathing places to ensure there are no swimming deaths before children return to school.
‘Heed advice’
“Swim between the flags and please take heed of the advice given by the lifeguards,” he said. “Always supervise your children. Lifeguards should not have to spend time searching for children.”
Mr Leech also warned that seasonal weather and sea conditions have brought “potentially dangerous” jellyfish to some beaches.
“The Portuguese Man O’ War has been reported on Barleycove Beach, Co Cork, and the Lion’s Mane jellyfish has been reported on a number of beaches on the west and east coasts,” he said.
“There will also be a risk to the public of being stung by weever fish over the last weekend of the month due to the full moon and the associated spring tides.”
