A timely reminder of the dangers that come with drinking alcohol during a heatwave

The weather is gorgeous, but it's still important to stay safe.

We know that one of the first things you think about when you see this beautiful sun is that it makes for perfect drinking weather. Whether you want to head down to the park with a couple of cans, or to the local beer garden to watch the football, this really is pints weather. Responsible pints weather, of course. But with this in mind, we need to make sure that we're ultra careful when it comes to consuming alcohol in the sun. So Drinkaware have compiled a list of tips to make sure that you stay safe while having fun this weekend. Check them out below and make sure to heed them, because it's going to be very, very hot.

Drink plenty of water

Consuming too much alcohol can lead to dehydration. With the sun set to stick around for the forseeable, don't forget to stay hydrated by alternating each drink with water. Why not keep a jug of water on the table to make this easier to remember?

Keep track

Less than 3% of Irish adults can correctly identify the HSE low-risk guidelines, but they are important to know and can help you to see how much you are really drinking over the week. Remember these are guidlines, not a target: Women - up to 11 standard drinks (110g pure alcohol) spread out over the week, with at least two alcohol-free days. Men - Up to 17 standard drinks (170g pure alcohol) spread out over the week, with at least two alcohol-free days

Avoid swimming

Alcohol and swimming don't mix. In fact, according to Irish Water Safety, alcohol is a factor in over 30% of all drownings in Ireland. This is because alcohol affects your perception of danger, making you more likely to take unnecessary risks. Never swim if you have consumed alcohol.

Drinking at home? Use a measure

Drinking in the garden may seem like a great idea, but it can often lead to drinking more than you intended. Measure out your drinks to keep track of how much you are really drinking.

Never drink and drive

One in 10 arrests for driving under the influence are made between 8am and 2pm. The time of your last drink at night will affect when it's safe for you to drive the following day, so there could still be alcohol in your system the morning after drinking. On average, it takes one hour for the body to process one standard drink and there's no quick fix - only time. If you're planning after-work drinks in the sun, leave the car at home.