Fancy spending your summer months on the sand?

It’s not exactly a stress-free gig, but the Cork County Council’s Beach Lifeguard Service is accepting new recruits to fill important positions on the Costa del Cork.

Candidates must be 18 years-of-age and will be required to undergo Garda vetting and a practical test in resuscitation, swimming ability and swimming rescue together with an oral test.

So what are the terms?

Beach Lifeguards must be on duty from 10.30am to 7pm daily, 5.5 days per week from May 30th until September with a half hour off for lunch. The money isn’t bad either; Senior Beach Guards take home €19.62 basic per hour, with Beach Guards earning €17.54 basic per hour.

You could be posted on any of Cork’s stunning beaches, from Barleycove, Skibbereen (Tragumna), Rosscarbery (Warren), Owenahincha, Inchydoney, and Garretstown to Garrylucas, Fountainstown, Garryvoe, Youghal (Front Strand,
Claycastle & Redbarn).

As well as supervising swimmers and providing emergency rescue services in the event of an accident, lifeguards also provide water samples from Blue Flag Beaches and designated beaches at various times over the summer season, check the ring buoys and other safety equipment on the beach and pick up any litter they spot during their shift.

Ready to take on the challenge and nab yourself a job for summer 2026? You can apply here now.