People planning on taking to Clare's waters this Christmas are being warned not to do so alone.

The popularity of cold water swims has risen in recent years, with groups formed for daily dips in many of Clare's coastal communities.

That trend will continue over the Christmas period, with many people likely to head for dips outside of the planned Christmas Day swims and charity events.

Clare's Water Safety Officer Claire McGrath says people should always make sure they have someone with them when entering the water.