Joanne Walsh of Water Safety Ireland said that, during an eight-week period, seven children had died.

A search operation was launched after a report of a male in difficulty in the water near Laytown on Friday evening.

Waterford City River Rescue used the incident to highlight the importance of early action in a successful rescue

People who are going on day trips are urged to check the weather forecast including tides and to ensure that they have the right equipment for the activity they are about to undertake on the water.