Cork Harbour is seeing more leisure use than ever before.

But with the weather warming up and a busy May bank holiday weekend ahead, the Port of Cork and Cork Water Safety have issued a warning message to marine leisure users.

“It’s absolutely wonderful to see leisure users on the water around Cork Harbour, enjoying this fantastic amenity, but we want to ensure all activities are carried out safely,” said Port of Cork Harbour Master, Captain Paul O’Regan.

“We see more and more people going to the piers and slipways in Cork Harbour to swim; we strongly advise people not to do this as tidal flows and currents at these areas can be very strong. Marine craft often use these piers and slipways and may not always see swimmers in the water, please instead swim at designated swimming areas.

Swimmers are reminded to avoid swimming alone or at least tell someone if they’re going for a swim, wear a tow float (a high-vis airbag that can act as a float if you get into difficulty) and keep warm with an insulated rash vest and two hats.

Jet ski ‘freestyling’ not allowed near the shoreline

“We are also advising personal watercraft safety especially in the case of jet skis and new awareness signage has been erected at different locations around Cork Harbour to remind people of the safety procedures they should take.”

Jet ski users are reminded to adhere to the six knots speed limit when within 60m of a pier, jetty, slipway, mooring, shore or another vessel and 120m of a swimmer or dive flag.

Freestyling is not permitted within 200m of swimmers, or the shoreline and users should always maintain a proper lookout for boats and keep clear of all other craft. Wearing a life jacket is essential and the engine kill switch must be used.