Beach lifeguards on duty

Cork’s lifeguard team are on fulltime duty this summer to ensure public safety as people continue to flock to the county’s many beautiful beaches.

Cork County Council has 39 full-time beach lifeguards, with a backup team ready to support if required.

The service is now on duty until 12 September and will be present from 10.30am-7pm daily.

This year, the team has adopted a ‘Safe on the Sand and in the Sea’, with lifeguards advising a Swim and Go policy to avoid large gatherings of people on beaches.

With the Rebel County containing 19 per cent of the Ireland’s coastline, lifeguards will monitor the safety of swimmers on 12 Cork beaches.

These beaches are Front Strand, Claycastle, Redbarn, Garryvoe, Fountainstown, Inchydoney, Owenahincha, The Warren, Tragumna, Barleycove, Garrylucas, and Garretstown.

The council has stressed that it is important that the public, especially children, are familiar with the flag system at the beach.

A red over yellow flag means the Lifeguards are on duty, with a red flag indicating that swimming is not advised.

Swimmers should also swim between the red and yellow flags parallel to the shore as this is the area that the lifeguards are patrolling.

A black and white chequered flag means that the area is for surfing only.

Former Mayor of the County of Cork Cllr Mary Linehan Foley urged the public to remember safety while enjoying Cork beaches this Summer.

“Remember to familiarise yourself with the flag system before setting off for a trip to the beach. The beach lifeguard team are ready and willing to help so don’t be afraid to ask. Lifeguards will be maintaining social distancing, so if you need to speak to the lifeguards at any stage during the season, let’s keep each other safe by staying apart and following public health guidelines at all times,” she said.

Cork County Council’s Water Safety Office has reminded the public to always supervise children on the sand and in the water, remember to never use inflatable toys or beds on open water and to swim within your depth at all times.

Chief Executive of Cork County Council, Tim Lucey said: “Cork County is home to some of the most picturesque beaches in the country, which we are all looking forward to enjoying. We must all play our part in keeping one another safe. Please remember to respect the water, bring your litter home with you, park safely and consider an alternative location if the area is already crowded, so that we can enjoy all that our county has to offer.”

For further water safety information and education, visit watersafety.ie.

Daily conditions and flag updates will also be posted on the Cork Co Co Beachguards Facebook page.