By the time you read this the heatwave may or may not be still with us. During the week, Drinkaware.ie and Irish Water Safety have highlighted the dangers of drinking alcohol on or near the water.

On average, 140 people drown in Ireland every year. Alcohol consumption was found as a contributory factor in nearly a third of all drownings, so the message to the public is to never ever drink and dive, swim or sail.

Research has found that 3 in 4 people believe that the risks associated with driving a car are on par with driving a boat after consuming alcohol. However, only 1 in 5 respondents were aware you should wait one hour after consuming one standard drink before engaging in water-based activities.

“It’s really important for people to know what a standard drink is, and how long it takes for it to leave your body,” said Fionnuala Sheehan, Chief Executive of drinkaware.ie. “And not just when you’re getting behind the wheel of a car; it’s equally dangerous to get involved in water-based activities like surfing, sailing, jet-skiing, or swimming if you’ve got any alcohol in your system.”

There is approximately one standard drink in a glass — not a pint—of beer, lager, or cider; a small glass of wine; or a single pub-measure of spirits. On average, it takes about an hour for the body to process a standard drink.

“Remember that alcohol will slow your reaction time, impact your coordination, and impair your judgement,” added Ms Sheehan. “Meaning that it could be hard to get yourself out of trouble if something happens. If you’ve had a few drinks and plan to go out on or into the water, then we would encourage you to do the maths and hold off until the alcohol is gone from your system.”

Breda Collins, Chairman, Irish Water Safety said that with an average of 140 people drowning in Ireland every year, it’s important to recognise that alcohol can be a contributing factor in these tragedies.

“Our joint campaign with drinkaware.ie highlights the need for responsibility when drinking alcohol and going out on or into the water. Educating people about water safety will reduce fatalities, and we are delighted to roll out this water-safety campaign nationally for the second year running.”

Key advice from drinkaware.ie and Irish Water Safety:

· Never ever drink and dive or surf or swim.

· A standard drink is equal to a glass of beer, lager, or cider (not a pint); a small glass of wine; or a pub measure of spirits.

· It will take your body roughly one hour to get rid of one standard drink. Nothing speeds this up; time is the only cure.

· Always swim at waterways with a lifequard on duty. You’ll find a list of these locations at www.iws.ie.

· If you are in a boat, correctly fitting lifejackets with a crotch strap should be worn at all times.

· Do not take part in water-sports without first taking appropriate instruction.