With high temperatures forecast across the country for the coming week, many will be hitting the beaches for a cool-down swim.
Most years, August is the month with the highest number of accidental drownings, and almost 80% are men.
Thursday’s tragic events in Ballybunion were the latest in string of water-related deaths and Roger Sweeney, Water Safety Ireland acting CEO, says everyone - even competent swimmers - must remain vigilant when taking a dip.
He told The Pat Kenny Show: "We have to remember as well that there isn't a child or adult in this country that has had swimming lessons since COVID."
"For a lot of people, they're having their first swim."
On average, 61 people die every year in Ireland by accidental drowning. That is according to figures from 2007 to 2021.
"For a lot of people, they'll remember that pre-COVID they'll have had some swimming ability ... but of course, it's completely different when summer arrives and they get out into the outdoor environment."
"Assessing the risk to yourself and your family is first and foremost."
He advised that people try to only swim in places with a lifeguard on duty. Life guards saved nearly 500 people from drowning last year.
"People tend to overestimate their ability and underestimate the risk, even in lifeguarded waterways."
Male swimmers most at risk
Men account for around 80% of those accidentally drowned.
Mr Sweeney explained why he thinks this is.
"This isn't because females are better swimmers - far from it. It's because men generally take greater physical risks than women."
"Also, when they're in their late-teens and early-20s, that's a time when men are not only trying to prove that they can do what their friends are doing, but it's also an age when alcohol is often more heavily consumed."
Alcohol was found to be a factor in one third of all drownings.
Inland drownings
Some 62% of drownings occur in rivers and lakes and most are in the county the casualty is from.
Many of these waterways were discovered by locals during last year's lockdown.
"You're dealing with additional hazards that you may not have at a beach", Mr Sweeney explained.
"There are hidden depths and entanglement issues."
Weather advisory
Met Éireann has issued a weather advisory for hot temperatures from this Wednesday through to the weekend.
Daytime temperatures will widely reach the mid to high twenties, with night time remaining uncomfortably warm too.
Met Éireann has warned those to stay safe in the water and take precautions to avoid heat stress and severe sun burn.
Listen back to the full conversation here:
Main images shows a woman looking at the sunset over the water. Picture by: AG News/Alamy Live News
