By Joe McCann
SEA swimmers have been urged to be mindful of poor winter weather conditions when entering the sea around the Ards and North Down coastline.
The warning has been issued after images were shared on social media of swimmers in the sea off Bangor during bad weather last week, with large waves threatening to sweep them towards rocks.
The images were shared just after a number of tragic drowning incidents in the UK over the festive period, including a 45 year-old woman, her 15 year-old daughter and 67 year-old man who drowned in Withernsea, East Yorkshire.
A 51 year-old man also drowned in Brighton, East Sussex after getting into difficulty during a New Year’s Day swim at the old Palace Pier at the seaside town.
The Coastguard and RNLI have declined to comment on the images of the Bangor swimmers but said anyone entering the water should always take precautions before swimming.
“Check the weather forecast and tide times so you are not caught out by changing or dangerous conditions, and carry either a charged mobile phone in a waterproof pouch or else a waterproof Personal Locator Beacon so you have a way of calling for help,” said a Coastguard spokesman.
“Take time to understand what beach flags mean, as they help identify areas that are suitable or unsafe for particular activities, and always share your plans by telling someone where you are going and when you expect to be back so they can raise the alarm if you do not return as planned.
“Remember the Float to Live advice: if you get into difficulty in the water, try to relax and float on your back like a starfish to help control your breathing and if you see someone else in trouble call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.”
A spokeswoman for the RNLI in Bangor said anyone entering the water around this time of year should always ‘be prepared’.
“Be prepared, always check the weather forecast and look at tide information and wave height,” she said. “Make sure you bring warm clothes for before and after your swim as well as a hot drink. Enter the water slowly to acclimatise and if possible, wear a wetsuit as this will help with buoyancy and reduce chances of cold water shock.”
She continued: “You should never swim alone, always go with someone if possible, go to a spot you are familiar with and tell someone when you plan to enter and exit the water. Make sure you wear something like a bright swimming cap so you can be seen in the water and stay in your depth, swimming parallel to the shore.
“You also need to be extremely mindful of rip currents and always remember, if in doubt, don’t go out,” she said.
