All the more reason to hit the beach.

Cork County Council will be providing 39 full-time lifeguards across the county’s beaches, as the weather (hopefully) heats and becomes more amenable to a leisurely dip in the sea. Their tenure for 2021 will begin from today and stretch until the end of August, with the first two weekends of September also included.

The typical hours of duty for life-guards will be between 10.30am and 7pm each day, and lifeguards will raise their red and yellow flags to indicate that they are on-duty.

The council has confirmed that the lifeguards will cover 12 beaches – Front Strand, Claycastle, Redbarn and Garryvoe, in the Carrigaline Area at Fountainstown, in West Cork at Inchydoney East & West, Owenahincha, The Warren, Tragumna and Barleycove Beaches, and at the Old Head of Kinsale in Garrylucas and Garretstown.

The beginning of beach season follows yesterday’s reopening of Ireland’s longest boardwalk in Youghal, which stretches 7km along Claycastle beach.

Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr. Mary Linehan Foley asks everyone 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 & 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 safe apart and following public health guidelines at all times.”

Cork County Council has also reminded the public of the flag system in place at beaches in Cork.

• A red over yellow flag means the Lifeguards are on duty.
• Swim between the red and yellow flags parallel to the shore as this is the area that the Lifeguards are patrolling.
• A red flag indicates that swimming is not advised.
• Black & white chequered flags mark the area for surfing only.