Cork County Council Issues Swimming Ban for Coolmaine Beach Due to Safety Concerns

Cork County Council has issued a formal "Do Not Swim" notice for Coolmaine Beach, citing dangerous conditions that make the popular coastal spot unsafe for swimming and bathing.

The council's Environment Directorate announced that the beach poses significant risks to bathers due to the presence of estuarine channels and hazardous conditions. These include strong currents, sudden changes in water depth, and deep water located dangerously close to the shoreline.

The safety warning comes as Cork County Council confirmed it will not conduct its usual bathing water sampling programme at Coolmaine Beach during the 2025 season. Officials stressed that this decision was made purely on health and safety grounds, and that there has been no deterioration in the beach's water quality.

"Whilst there is no change in the water quality of this beach, no bathing water sampling will be conducted by Cork County Council, Environment Directorate for the 2025 season due to health and safety concerns," the council stated in its official notice.

The council has indicated that the situation at Coolmaine Beach will be kept under review throughout the 2025 bathing season, suggesting that conditions may be reassessed before any changes to the current restrictions are considered.

Members of the public who have queries regarding the swimming ban or wish to seek further information about the beach's status are advised to contact the Bandon Kinsale Municipal District office at BandonKinsaleMD@corkcoco.ie.

The notice serves as an important reminder for beachgoers to exercise caution and heed official safety warnings when visiting coastal areas, particularly during the summer bathing season when beaches typically see increased visitor numbers.