Over the festive period, many swimmers will take to the coast for a festive dip, but there are a few key safety factors to keep in mind.

While Christmas Day swims have soared in popularity in recent years, RNLI Water Safety Education Manager Killian O'Kelly told Lunchtime Live it is vital to remember a number of safety considerations.

For starters, he said it is important to check the weather forecast before setting out.

"The sea doesn't care that it's Christmas morning and you've decided to go for a swim," Mr O'Kelly said.

"If the weather conditions go against people it can lead to very dangerous situations.

"If you're not used to sea-swimming you won't know what's safe and what's not safe and it's very easy to get caught out."

Gerry Ring adjusts his goggels after taking a dip at the Forty Foot for the annual Christmas Day swim of 2020. Photo: Sam Boal/Rollingews.ie

Another important safety consideration is a swimmer's own physical and mental ability.

"If you're recovering from an illness, or you've had a few drinks the night before, it can have an effect on your body and your body's ability to deal with the cold," Mr O'Kelly said.

When entering the water, the safest approach is one that allows your body to acclimatise.

"What I don’t like to see is people jumping off a pier or an edge," Mr O'Kelly said.

"If you jump straight in, there is a possibility that you could suffer from cold-water shock.

Entering the water

Mr O'Kelly advises festive swimmers to enter the water slowly.

"Walk in up to your knees, splash water up to your waist," he said.

"Then walk up to your waist and splash the water up over your chest and then walk in as far as your chest and splash a bit of water over your head."

He also advises against spending too long in the water.

"Get in, get the swim done and get out and get the warm clothes on," he said.

Mr O'Kelly said if you are still cold hours after swimming, it is likely that you stayed in too long.

Feature image: Christmas Day dip at Sandy Cover near Dublin. Picture date: Saturday December 25, 2021, RollingNews.ie