Reservoir Safety
Stay safe around reservoirs
Reservoirs may look calm and inviting, particularly during warm weather, but they aren’t safe places to swim or take part in water recreation activities. Uisce Éireann reservoirs are working pieces of infrastructure that help store and supply drinking water to homes and businesses across Ireland.
We want people to enjoy these locations and the natural beauty that surrounds them. However, entering the water can put lives at serious risk.
Why it isn't safe to enter a reservoir
Many of the dangers associated with reservoirs are not visible from the shoreline. Even strong swimmers can quickly find themselves in difficulty.
Reservoirs can present several serious hazards, including:
- Extremely cold water, even on warm summer days
- Cold water shock, which can affect breathing and movement
- Hidden currents below the surface
- Sudden changes in water depth
- Underwater structures and obstacles
- Slippery edges and steep banks that can make it difficult to get out of the water.
While a reservoir may appear calm, conditions below the surface can be very different.
Reservoirs are not suitable for swimming or water recreation
Reservoirs are designed to store water and support the delivery of drinking water supplies. They are not intended for swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking, diving or other water-based recreational activities.
If you want to swim, choose a designated swimming location or a lifeguarded beach where conditions are more suitable and safety measures are in place.
Enjoy reservoirs safely
Many reservoir sites are located in beautiful outdoor settings and can be enjoyed safely from the surrounding areas. Visitors can often enjoy:
- Walking routes and trails
- Scenic views
- Wildlife and nature
- Outdoor recreation in designated public areas.
Please follow all safety signage, supervise children carefully and stay back from the water's edge.
Reservoirs may look safe, but hidden hazards below the surface can put lives at risk. Please stay out of the water and enjoy these locations safely from the shore.
Advice for parents and guardians
Warm weather can make open water seem appealing, particularly to children and young people. However, reservoirs are not safe places to swim or play in the water.
Parents and guardians are encouraged to talk to children and teenagers about the dangers of entering reservoirs and explain that conditions beneath the surface can be very different from what they can see from the shore.
Stay back. Stay safe. Stay out of the water.
In an emergency
If you see someone in difficulty in the water:
- Do not enter the water yourself
- Call 999 or 112 immediately
- Provide the emergency services with the exact location if possible
- Follow any instructions given by emergency responders.
Attempting a rescue by entering the water can put additional lives at risk.