Bank Holiday water safety advice has been issued by the Irish Coast Guard, Water Safety Ireland, and RNLI as Storm Austen brings heavy rain and strong winds.
The warning comes as daylight hours shorten, water temperatures continue to fall and unsettled weather moves across the country.
Met Éireann currently has a Status Yellow rain and wind warning in place for Ireland from 7pm on Thursday, 22nd October until 10am on Friday, 23rd October, with difficult travelling conditions, localised flooding, debris and fallen trees among the possible impacts.
Marine warnings are also in place, including a small craft warning for all Irish coasts and gale warnings on parts of the Irish Sea.
Extra care urged on beaches and coastal walks
The three organisations are advising anyone planning a coastal, inland water or outdoor activity to check conditions before setting out.
People heading for beaches, cliffs and coastal walks are advised to check weather forecasts and tide times, be aware of the risk of being cut off by incoming tides and stay well back from cliff edges and unstable ground.
They are also advised to carry a fully charged mobile phone and let someone know their plans.
The warning follows what the organisations described as the busiest summer on record for search and rescue incidents.
They also thanked emergency service personnel, lifeguards, rescue volunteers and rescue teams who responded throughout the summer.
Swimmers warned about changing conditions
Swimmers are being advised not to enter the water during stormy weather or when strong winds, waves or currents make conditions unsafe.
With the lifeguard season now over and evenings getting darker earlier, swimmers are encouraged to use recognised safe swimming locations, avoid swimming alone and leave the water before darkness falls.
As water temperatures drop, swimmers should also shorten their time in the water and be mindful of cold-water shock, hypothermia and reduced swimming ability.
Appropriate equipment should be worn, including a wetsuit, brightly coloured swim cap and tow float.
What to do in an emergency
Anyone who sees someone in difficulty on the water or along the coast, or believes someone may be in trouble, should use marine VHF radio Channel 16 or call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.
