Public Health Wales and Irish RNLI Issue Water Safety Alerts During Heatwave

Public Health Wales issued an urgent warning as temperatures across the region rise above 30 °C while water temperatures remain low at 15‑17 °C. Officials cautioned that sudden immersion can cause cold‑water shock, rapid breathing and a spike in heart rate. A spokesperson said, "Enter the water slowly; give your body time to adjust; and stay safe while staying cool," and stressed avoiding jumps or dives.

In Donegal, the Bundoran RNLI lifeboat helm Killian O'Reilly urged coastal visitors to prepare for warm, sunny weather with mid‑20s temperatures and offshore easterly winds. He highlighted a tidal shift due to a new moon, calling it "big tides" that could affect water movement. O'Reilly advised checking local lifeguard hours, using RNLI’s water‑safety resources and exercising caution when paddle‑boarding, kayaking or swimming.