Cork Beaches Open with Mixed Conditions as Lifeguards Begin Duty

• Cork County Council lifeguards are on duty across 12 beaches today, with conditions varying from flat calm to challenging 4-foot waves, as overcast skies dominate much of the coastline.

The beach lifeguard service is operating from 10:30am to 7:00pm today, Thursday 7th August, with red and yellow flags marking safe swimming zones at all supervised beaches. While several beaches enjoy calm conditions ideal for families, swimmers should be aware that strong rips and currents are present at multiple locations.

Barleycove is experiencing choppy conditions with large swell and dumping waves under overcast skies with moderate cross shore to onshore winds. The beach remains suitable for surfing, though lateral currents require caution.

Fountainstown offers flat calm conditions perfect for swimming and families, despite cloudy weather with moderate offshore winds.

Garrettstown, one of the few beaches enjoying sunshine today, is experiencing more challenging conditions with 3 to 4 foot waves, lateral currents and strong rips with strong onshore winds. While suitable for swimming and families, extra vigilance is needed.

Garrylucas shows 1-foot waves under cloudy skies with light onshore winds, whilst nearby Garryvoe enjoys both sunshine and flat calm seas with light offshore conditions - both ideal for families.

Inchydoney displays choppy conditions with 2-foot waves and strong rips under overcast skies. The popular beach suits both swimming and surfing, though swimming is prohibited in the channels. The east and west sections of the beach show different flag configurations.

Owenahincha presents the most challenging conditions with 4-foot waves and strong currents under strong cross onshore winds, appealing to experienced swimmers and surfers.

The Warren is experiencing a small swell with drizzle and light crossshore conditions, whilst Tragumna shows 1 to 2 foot waves under overcast skies - both remaining suitable for families despite the grey weather.

The Youghal beaches offer the best conditions today, with Claycastle and Front Strand both enjoying sunny weather. Claycastle has flat calm seas with light cross shore winds, though swimming at the pipe area is prohibited. Front Strand shows a small chop with light offshore winds, whilst Redbarn experiences flat calm conditions under cloudy skies with light offshore winds.

Beachgoers are reminded to swim between the red and yellow flags and follow lifeguard instructions. Dog owners must keep pets on leads on lifeguarded beaches and clean up after them.

High tide occurs at 5:30pm this evening, with low tide at 11:53pm. Specific tide times for individual beaches vary as noted on the report, with locations like Barleycove experiencing tides 50 minutes earlier than the reference point at Cobh.

Water quality data is based on the most recent sampling, with full information available at beaches.ie. The public is asked not to park in ambulance or emergency services parking spots at beach locations.

Cork County Council continues to promote water safety across all beaches. For further information, visit www.watersafety.ie or contact emergency services on 112 or 999 if needed.