Cork's lifeguards are back patrolling the beaches as bathing season gets underway
This year's bathing season kicks off for Cork County Council's Beach Lifeguard Teams on the June Bank Holiday Weekend with the guards on duty at 12 of the county's beaches from 10.30am until 7.00pm, starting on Saturday May 31.
The lifeguarded beaches are Front Strand, Claycastle and Redbarn in Youghal, Garryvoe, Fountainstown, Inchydoney, Owenahincha, The Warren, Garrylucas, Garretstown, Tragumna and Barleycove.
And when you're at the beach it's easy to know whether a lifeguard is on duty because you'll see a red and yellow flag.
The lifeguards will be on duty each weekend in June, for seven days a week in July and August, and for the first two weekends in September.
They're chosen after a competitive application process, including a swim rescue test, and the successful applicants need to hold a Beach Lifeguard Award from the Irish Water Safety Association and have thorough knowledge of resuscitation methods.
It may not be quite as glamorous as "Baywatch" but in return for keeping Cork's busiest beaches safe they can earn close to €20 an hour.
Last summer, the county's lifeguards reunited fifteen children with their parents. They're reminding parents and guardians that 'Holding Hands Saves Lives' and to supervise children at all times. They're also asking people not to bring inflatable toys to the beach this summer.
Inflatable boats, beds and toys are unsafe to use on open water due to the strong and changeable winds we experience throughout most of the summer.
Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr. Joe Carroll, welcomed the news: 'It is a reassuring sight to see lifeguards patrolling our beaches in County Cork. 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. Swim at lifeguarded beaches, pay attention to the flags, look out for one another, and listen to the lifeguards.'
Beachgoers should also pay attention to the Water Safety Flag system. A red over yellow flag means the lifeguards are on duty. You should swim between the red and yellow flags close and parallel to the shore as this is the area that the lifeguards are patrolling. A red flag means that swimming is not advised and a black and white chequered one marks the area for surfing only. Finally, no flag means there's no lifeguard on duty at the moment.
Now all we need is the good weather to continue!
Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.
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