The Government have launched the ‘Be Summer-Ready’ 2022 Public Safety Information Campaign. This campaign provides advice across a wide range of topics on staying safe this summer. The focus of this campaign is to “Minding your Mental Health this Summer”.

The campaign was jointly launched by the Minister for Defence and Chair of the Government Task Force on Emergency Planning, Simon Coveney TD, Minister of State with special responsibility for Mental Health and Older People, Mary Butler TD and Minister of State with responsibility for International and Road Transport and Logistics, Hildegarde Naughton TD.

Minister Coveney said, “as we begin to take advantage of the longer days and better weather, we want everyone to be able to enjoy our work and leisure activities in safety. We wish to encourage people to be self-reliant but also to recognise when help is needed and where to get it.”

The Department of Health is the parent Department of the HSE and speaking at the launch, Minister Butler said, “keeping active can help protect both your physical and mental health, and summer is a great time to try something new. Outdoor activities are very safe in the context of Covid; making the most of the good weather and longer evenings is so valuable.”

The launch also heard of the importance of the Irish Coast Guard and the role it plays during the summer months. Minister Naughton said, “it is important to be aware of water safety and the message from the Irish Coast Guard in regards to coastal areas and water based activities is to PAUSE.”

• Make a plan before you go in or near the water which should include how to raise an alarm should you be required to do so. Ensure that you let somebody know where you are going and what time to expect you back.

• Always ensure that you have a means of communication be it a VHF radio, fully charged mobile phone, flares or an electronic locator Beacon. Always wear a Lifejacket or Personal Floatation Device if engaging in any form of boat activity including kayaking and canoeing.

• Use readily available information and spend some time familiarising yourself with the prevailing conditions and be alert to tide times and weather forecasts.

• Seek help immediately if you or somebody else you observe is in difficulty.

• Enjoy the summer outdoors safely and act responsibly.

The ‘Be Summer-Ready’ campaign is a ‘Whole of Government’ initiative to provide information to the general public on potential risks which may affect them during the summer months. The campaign’s messages will be delivered through internet and social media based information platforms across Government and by the provision of a ‘Be Summer-Ready’ information booklet and audio files and a ‘Minding your Mental Health this Summer’ leaflet which are available for download here.