Lifeguards will resume duties at beaches this weekend

Cork County Council’s beach lifeguard teams will resume duty at 12 beaches this June bank holiday weekend.

The service will operate every weekend in June, before increasing to seven days a week in July and August, and further reducing to the first two weekends in September.

Lifeguards will raise their flags from 10.30am until 7pm to indicate that they are on duty from this Saturday at Front Strand, Claycastle, Redbarn, Garryvoe, Fountainstown, Inchydoney, Owenahincha, The Warren, Garrylucas, Garretstown, Tragumna and Barleycove.

Mayor of the County of Cork, councillor Joe Carroll said that the return of lifeguards to Cork’s beaches for the 2025 summer season is a “reassuring sight”.

“[Lifeguards] are the experts when it comes to tides, weather conditions and the risks,” said Mr Carroll.

“It is a reassuring sight to see [them] patrolling our beaches in county Cork.

“I am encouraging everyone to enjoy our beaches safely this summer - we all have a part to play.” 

Mr Carroll further highlighted the importance of heeding safety advice, as last summer, the county’s lifeguards successfully reunited fifteen children with their parents.

“Swim at lifeguarded beaches, pay attention to the flags, look out for one another, and listen to the lifeguards,” he said.

The council is also reminding parents and guardians to ensure that children are supervised at all times, and are asking people not to bring inflatable toys to the beach.

Chief executive of Cork County Council, Moira Murrell said that beachgoers should “always have safety in mind” when using local waterways.

“Inflatable boats, beds and toys are unsafe to use on open water,” said Ms Murrell.

“This is due to our temperate climate together with strong and changeable winds throughout most of the summer.

“If you are going to the beach this summer, plan your trip in advance and always have safety in mind.” 

A water safety flag system will be in operation, with swimmers advised that a red over yellow flag means the lifeguards are on duty; a red flag only indicates that swimming is not advised; a black and white chequered flag marks the area for surfing only; and no flag means there is no lifeguard service.

Martin Stronge, who is the senior manager of hydro operations with ESB, is reminding the general public of the dangers of swimming in any ESB reservoir, and is asking people to avoid using the reservoirs at Inniscarra and Carrigadrohid.

“It is important that people take note of the safety warnings which are visible on signs posted around ESB reservoirs,” said Mr Stronge.

“These areas are unsafe for swimming due to deep, fast-flowing waters, fluctuating water levels, and uneven terrain, which present significant hazards to the public.

"To ensure your safety and the safety of others, always choose safer swimming locations such as swimming pools or beaches with designated lifeguards."