Water Safety Ireland has released figures showing that seven people drowned in Donegal last year.
The Safety group released the figures showing that 103 people drowned across the country in 2018.
The figure is less than 2017, when 109 people drowned.
The majority of drownings occurred in Leinster (43).
Spokesperson Roger Sweeney said the figure is the lowest it has been in 80 years.
“But we still average five drownings every fortnight which makes drowning a significant public health issue. When we look at the causes behind the figures, we see some steps that people can take to minimise risk to themselves and family.”
Water Safety Ireland advised of ways to help protect yourself when in the water:
- 1. Swim at lifguarded waterways listed on their website
- 2. Swim within your depth, and stay within your depth.
- 3. Escape a rip current by swimming parallel to the shore instead of swimming against it.
- 4. Never use inflatable toys in open water.
- 5. Wear a lifejacket when boating or fishing from shore.
- 6. Supervise children at all times near water.