Cork County Council Beach Lifeguards Return to Duty This Weekend
Cork's beach lifeguards return to duty this Saturday across 12 beaches. Service runs weekends in June, daily July-August. Swim between flags and stay safe.
Beach safety services will resume across 12 Cork beaches this Saturday as the county's lifeguard teams begin their summer patrol season.
Cork County Council's Beach Lifeguard Teams will be on duty at beaches across the county starting from the June bank holiday weekend, with flags raised from 10.30am until 7.00pm to indicate active service.
The lifeguarded beaches include Front Strand, Claycastle and Redbarn in Youghal, along with Garryvoe, Fountainstown, Inchydoney, Owenahincha, The Warren, Garrylucas, Garretstown, Tragumna and Barleycove.
The service will operate each weekend throughout June before expanding to seven days a week during July and August, continuing through the first two weekends in September.
"It is a reassuring sight to see lifeguards patrolling our beaches in County Cork," said Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Joe Carroll. "They are the experts when it comes to tides, weather conditions and the risks. I am encouraging everyone to enjoy our beaches safely this summer, we all have a part to play."
The mayor emphasised the importance of swimming at lifeguarded beaches, paying attention to safety flags, looking out for one another, and listening to lifeguard instructions.
Last summer highlighted the vital role these teams play, with county lifeguards reuniting fifteen children with their parents. Officials are reminding parents and guardians that "Holding Hands Saves Lives" and stress the importance of supervising children at all times.
Cork County Council is also warning beachgoers against bringing inflatable toys to the beach. Chief Executive Moira Murrell explained:
"Inflatable boats, beds and toys are unsafe to use on open water. This is due to our temperate climate together with strong and changeable winds throughout most of the summer."
The Water Safety Flag system provides clear guidance for beachgoers:
- A red over yellow flag indicates lifeguards are on duty
- Swimming should occur between the red and yellow flags, close and parallel to the shore
- A red flag means swimming is not advised
- Black and white chequered flags mark surfing-only areas
- No flag means no lifeguard service is available
Daily updates on beach conditions and flag status can be found on the 'Cork Co Co Beachguards' Facebook page, whilst additional water safety information is available at www.watersafety.ie.
