''Cold water is defined as under 15 degrees Celsius.''
Irish Water Safety has reminded the public that although sunshine is promised over the bank holiday weekend, water temperatures are still very cold.
According to Irish Water Safety an average of five people drown every two weeks in Ireland.
The organisation is urging swimmers, sailers and anglers to be careful if visiting the coast and inland waterways this weekend.
Spokesperson Roger Sweeney says cold water shock and hypothermia are a deadly combination.
''Remember to swim within your depth'', he said.
''And remember that the water is still cold, about 11 degrees, and the inland waterways are about 8-11 degrees.
''But that's still cold and hypothermia can still set in, cold water is defined as under 15 degrees Celsius.''
