Ireland's water safety watchdog today urged people to wear lifejackets to cut the high number of drownings.
At the start of Water Safety week, Irish Water Safety said there were an average of 170 drownings each year.
A spokesman said lifejackets should be worn for all water-related activities and that young children should never be allowed near water unsupervised.
"Children are naturally curious around water - be it a pool, slurry pit, bath or open water, so spot the dangers, which can so often be masked by picture - postcard scenes," he said.
Irish Water Safety is also advising people to ensure that they learn to swim, take a training course for the aquatic sport they are involved in and wear adequate protective clothing.
The commonest cause of drowning is incapacitation due to the cold.