June Bank Holiday in Cork: Warnings, wet weather, and the promise of some sunshine
Today at 07:54
Despite the mixed weather forecast for this June Bank Holiday weekend, the HSE are still urging people across Cork City and County to look after their skin in the sun.
Met Éireann has predicted heavy showers and thundery spells up and down the country across the Bank Holiday Weekend, with Monday showing an extremely heavy band of rain sweeping across the island, bringing wash-out weather to finish off one of the summer's major bank holiday weekends.
However, down here in Cork we can apparently expect some sunshine on Sunday, with bright and dry spells expected, albeit breezy and cool.
It's why the HSE have been reminding the public, even despite the cool temperatures, to protect their skin from the sun, as well as staying safe around the water.
The health authority is also encouraging people to think about all their healthcare options before going to the Emergency Department. It says many health services will be open over the weekend, including pharmacies, Injury Units and GP Out-of-Hours service SouthDoc, despite leading politicians saying the public is being misled over the availability of the Blackpool centre.
The HSE says Ireland's UV rays are strong enough to damage skin, even when it's cloudy. Ireland's UV index is currently in the 'high' bracket (6-7) under clear skies, while still moderate (3-5) when there is cloud cover, enough to cause skin damage.
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer, with over 11,000 new cases diagnosed every year, and therefore the HSE is urging people to wear clothing, put on suncream, wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses, and seek shade between 11 am and 3 pm.
'Spending time outdoors is such an important part of summer, but it is important that children and adults are protected and safe in the sun,' said Shirley O'Shea, the Senior Health Promotion and Improvement Officer - Cancer Prevention for the South West.
The executive is also asking people to be extra careful when near water. According to statistics from Water Safety Ireland, 56 people died accidentally in water last year across Ireland, with lifeguards rescuing 202 more from the water.
Minor injury units in Gurranabraher, Mallow, and Bantry are also available for those who do have a knock or tumble throughout the weekend and can be a great alternative to avoid the lengthy waiting times at A&E departments across the county.
However, for those who do need urgent treatment, the National Ambulance Service is also asking members of the public visiting and using amenities - including access gates to sporting grounds and pitches - to park carefully and to allow space for access by the emergency services if needed.
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'We ask the public to remember that in the event of an emergency, ambulances may need to access beaches and other amenity sites. Please make sure that you don't block that access,' said Barry Hayes, Assistant Chief Ambulance Officer, NAS South West.
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