Amber Thursday encouraging fire, road and water safety in Mayo this bank holiday weekend

TODAY is Amber Thursday - an event that takes place each year on the Thursday leading into the August bank holiday weekend.

This is a joint national social media campaign to promote fire, road and water safety advice and guidance ahead of the busy weekend. Road safety, fire prevention and water development officers in respective services use the collective opportunity to raise awareness about the various risks and dangers associated with fire, road and water-based activities.

There have been 11 fatalities on Mayo roads so far this year, an increase of over 100% on the previous two years where five people lost their lives on the county's roads in 2021 and 2022. This is not to mention the number of people seriously injured.

Mayo has now the highest number of fatalities in the country on our roads so far this year.

This August bank holiday weekend Mayo County Council's road safety officer, Gary Smyth, is asking all motorists to plan their trips, don’t speed and don’t drive under the influence of drink or drugs.

“Make sure your car is road worthy and wear your seatbelts. In wet weather put on your dipped headlights and allow double the breaking distance you would normally allow.

“Pedestrians should wear hi-vis clothing during the day if out walking and be reflective at night. Cyclists also need to be seen and wear hi-vis clothing and attach a flashing rear light to their bikes as an extra to be seen,” he advised.

Jason Keane, acting station officer, Mayo Fire Service, added: “This bank holiday weekend can be a particularly busy time for firefighters who are called to various incidents including forest fires, outdoor fires, barbecue or domestic fires and road traffic collisions. The Chief Fire Officers Association (CFOA) is encouraging the public to become aware of the risks from fires occurring outdoors, in the home, in the garden, while visiting parks and wilderness areas or in areas close to vegetation or trees.”

If you’re planning a swim this weekend, Patricia Flynn, water safety officer, Mayo County Council, urges the public to consider some vital key points:

Swim at designated bathing areas where lifeguards are on duty - you will find these listed on www.mayo.ie/environment/beaches/water-safety.

If there are no designated bathing areas near you, then swim at known safe traditional bathing areas where there are ring buoys in place.

Check that the ring buoys are in place - if not, please report missing ring buoys via www.ringbuoys.ie.

Swim within your depth, stay within your depth.

Provide constant uninterrupted supervision for your children and do not use inflatable toys.

Wear a personal flotation device when using recreational crafts, boating or fishing.

Do not swim alone.

Do not swim under the influence of alcohol or drugs.