Cork Beaches Welcome Swimmers as Lifeguards Begin Thursday Duty

Cork County Council's beach lifeguards are on duty today from 10:30am to 7:00pm across all supervised beaches, with calm conditions and red over yellow flags flying at popular swimming spots from Barleycove to Youghal.

The morning beach report shows predominantly flat calm conditions across Cork's coastline, making it an ideal day for families to enjoy the water safely. High tide is expected at 10:37pm tonight, with low tide occurring at 4:26pm this afternoon.

Barleycove stands out as the only beach with some wave activity, reporting small swells of two feet with lateral currents. The West Cork beach is experiencing sunny conditions with strong cross shore and offshore winds, though swimming remains suitable for families.

All other supervised beaches, including Fountainstown, Garrettstown, Garrylucas, Garryvoe, Owenahincha, The Warren, Tragumna, and the three Youghal beaches, report flat calm sea conditions. Weather varies from overcast to cloudy across locations, with generally light offshore or cross shore breezes.

Special safety notices apply at two locations: Inchydoney displays both east and west warning flags with instructions not to swim in the channels, while Youghal Claycastle advises against swimming at the pipe area.

Cork County Council reminds beachgoers to swim only between the red and yellow flags where lifeguards can monitor safety. Dog owners visiting lifeguarded beaches must keep their pets on leads and clean up after them.

The council also emphasises that emergency services parking spots at beaches must remain clear for ambulances and other emergency vehicles.

For those planning beach visits later in the week, tide times for all Cork beaches can be checked at tidesnear.me/states/51.

Water Safety Ireland continues to work with Cork County Council to promote safety around water throughout the summer season.