Cork County Council Recruiting Beach Lifeguards for 2026 Summer Season
Spend your summer on Cork's best beaches, getting paid to save lives and stay fit - Beach Lifeguard applications now open at Cork County Council.
Cork County Council is seeking applications from qualified candidates for Beach Lifeguard positions across Cork's coastline, with positions available from late May through mid-September 2026.
The local authority has opened recruitment for Senior Beach Lifeguard, Team Beach Lifeguard and Relief Beach Lifeguard roles at beaches including Barleycove, Inchydoney, Garretstown, Garryvoe and Youghal, among others. Applications close at 4:00pm on Friday, 27 February 2026.
Successful candidates will work a 5½-day week from 10:30am to 7:00pm throughout the season, earning €17.54 per hour for standard Beach Lifeguard roles and €19.62 per hour for Senior Beach Lifeguard positions.
The 2026 season runs from 30 and 31 May 2026, all weekends in June including the Bank Holiday weekend, full-time throughout July and August, and the first two weekends of September.
Applicants must hold a current valid Beach Lifeguard Award from the Irish Water Safety Association or equivalent by 30 May 2026, possess thorough knowledge of CPR, and demonstrate good verbal communication skills. Candidates must be at least 18 years of age by 15 August 2026.
Senior Beach Lifeguard applicants require a minimum two years' prior experience as a Beach Lifeguard in full season employment.
The recruitment process includes a practical swim test scheduled for Saturday, 21 March 2026 at Fermoy Swimming Pool, followed by interviews between 25 March and 16 April 2026. Successful candidates must attend a mandatory induction day on Saturday, 23 May 2026.
A webinar will be held on Tuesday, 11 February 2026 at 8:00pm to provide further information to prospective applicants. Those interested can contact recruitment@corkcoco.ie for webinar link details.
Beach locations covered include Barleycove, Tragumna, Warren, Owenahincha, Inchydoney, Garretstown, Garrylucas, Fountainstown, Garryvoe, and three Youghal beaches: Front Strand, Claycastle and Redbarn.
Full details and application forms are available at corkcoco.ie.
