103 people drowned in Ireland last year.

A warning has been issued for those intending on taking a dip in the ocean this weekend as temperatures are set to rise as high as 22 degrees. Water Safety Ireland (WSI) has urged people to only swim in spots where lifeguards are present this weekend. Recent figures show that 103 people drowned in Ireland last year, six less than 2017 where 109 people lost their lives after getting into difficult in a body of water. WSI has published a comprehensive list of methods to ensure that all swimmers stay safe this weekend. They involved never using inflatable toys in open water, swimming at guarded waterways only, and what to do if you spot someone in difficulty. The full list can be found below: 1. Swim at lifeguarded waterways 2. Swim within your depth, stay within your depth 3. Escape a rip current by swimming parallel to shore instead of swimming against it 4. Never use inflatable toys in open water 5. Wear a lifejacket when boating or fishing from shore 6. Supervise children at all times near water 7. If you see someone in difficulty: Shout to the casualty and encourage them to shore. Reach out with a long object such a branch or a piece of clothing but do not enter the water yourself. Throw a ringbuoy or any floating object and call 112 for the coast guard. A full list of guarded waterways across the country can be found here.