Water safety guidelines
Lorna Siggins
Marine Correspondent
Irish Water Safety has advised people travelling abroad to "wise up" to the dangers involved in water-based activities before leaving home.
Beaches and swimming pools in continental resorts are often only partially guarded or don't have qualified lifeguards at all, the Galway-based organisation points out.
Two young Irish women drowned off the French coast within the past week, and a number of Irish people have lost their lives in water-based activities abroad in recent years.
Mr Frank Nolan, chairman of Irish Water Safety (IWS), has extended the organisation's condolences to the bereaved families.
"While we all sympathise with the families already suffering heartbreak, we wish that other people wouldn't have to experience this terrible loss in the future," he said.
"Extra precautions must be taken from the moment of arrival at the holiday centre to the time of departure."
He added: "Remember that the colour flag code for lifeguards on duty may vary substantially from the red/yellow system in Ireland. When there is a red flag only, conditions are too dangerous for swimming. When there is no flag, there is no lifeguard on duty."
The International Lifesaving Federation, of which IWS is a member, is working on standardising the flag colour-coding throughout Europe, Mr Nolan said.
"People should never enter the sea, rivers or pools during darkness. These are not always protected by lifeguards even during the day," the IWS chairman warned.
"The risk of local hazards such as strong currents and hidden obstructions present a clear risk and swimming in unfamiliar places can easily lead to loss of life."
Mr Nolan advised that the same rules apply to holidaymakers at home, on the inland waterways or islands, who rent boats or go white-water rafting.
He warned: "Insist that a lifejacket or personal flotation device is provided - or simply don't get on board."
1. On arrival at a holiday centre, which has a swimming pool, do not allow children to go immediately to the swimming pool until you have checked out the safety arrangements.
2. It is unwise to go for a quick swim after a lengthy car journey.
3. Never swim after consuming alcohol or food.
4. Obey all the usual safety rules that apply in any properly run pool.
5. Ensure that you do not dive into shallow water.
6. Watch out for children/baby pools that may be next to the main pool without any barrier between them.
7. Watch out for sudden changes in the gradient of a pool floor.
8. Check for missing or slippery tiles surrounding or in the pool.
9. Do not allow children to swim in a pool with discoloured water.
10. Always swim, or surf, in areas patrolled by lifeguards.
11. Swim in the designated area when swimming in the sea.
12. Swim with family or friends - never alone.
13. Swim within your depth and parallel to the shore.
14. Never swim during darkness.