The Redbay Lifeboat crew have issued a safety message for the public, particularly for the East Coast of Northern Ireland, ahead of the weekend with Spring tides and two Met Office weather warnings in place.
Spokesperson for RNLI said:
“This Friday, Saturday and Sunday, we're going to see Spring tides, with full tide around the middle of the day. The water temps will be between 6-8 degrees and air temps will range from -2 to 5 degrees. Strong South and South-easterly winds look set to continue. Snow, sleet and rain are also forecast.
“This means full high tides, big waves and strong under-pull. It also means exceptionally cold sea and air temperatures with added wind chill factor due to strong winds.
“Don’t underestimate the sea or overestimate your ability. Coastal walking, open sea swimming and water based activities should be approached with great caution this weekend.
“Don’t take risks – don’t put others at risk - lead by example.”
Remember the RNLI's water safety advice:
• Take care if walking near cliffs - know your route and keep dogs on a lead
• Check tide times and weather forecasts daily
• Take a fully charged phone
• If going afloat, always wear a lifejacket or other personal flotation device and take a means of calling for help
• Check your equipment is in good working order
• Be aware of the conditions and your capabilities and only enter the water if it is safe to do so
• In an emergency call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard
The Met Office has issued two yellow weather warnings for this weekend.
❄️ 𝗦𝗻𝗼𝘄 + 𝗜𝗰𝗲 | Sat 13 Feb | 4am-6pm
A band of snow is likely to arrive into Northern Ireland just before dawn on Saturday morning before moving away eastwards during the afternoon. 1-4 cm of snow is possible widely with 5-10 cm, perhaps up to 20 cm over high ground where strong winds may give blizzard conditions and drifting. Snow may turn to freezing rain at times across parts of Northern Ireland bringing an additional ice risk.
💨 𝗪𝗶𝗻𝗱 | Sun 14 Feb | 4am-11.59pm
South-easterly winds will strengthen a little further during Sunday morning, with gusts of 60 to very locally 70 mph probably developing across the Irish Sea, and into the east of Northern Ireland. This, in combination with high tides, may be enough to generate impacts from large waves in some coastal parts of Antrim and Down.