For the first time ever during June, Clare County Council has extended lifeguard cover at the county’s four main beaches beyond the weekend.
Lifeguard cover is being provided at Kilkee, Lahinch, Spanish Point and Fanore today (Tuesday) and tomorrow (Wednesday) from 3.30pm to 7.30pm to cater for the large number of people visiting the beaches in the late afternoon and evening during the current fine spell.
With forecasts of continued dry and warm weather over the next 48 hours, Clare County Council is urging members of the public to be extra vigilant when participating in water-based activities.
Clare McGrath, water safety development Officer with Clare County Council, is asking people to swim only in lifeguarded areas denoted by the lifeguard flags (red over yellow flags).
She explained, “I would urge members of the public to observe notices on any beach or where they want to swim, and to observe the Lifeguard’s rules and regulations regarding off limit swimming locations. Anyone who sees a water user in difficulty should summon help immediately. Children should be supervised at all times when near water, while people should also be wary of the locations of ringbuoys.”
Regarding those taking to Clare’s waterways on leisure crafts and boats, Ms McGrath said, “Before entering the water, people are advised to check local weather conditions. People are also asked to wear correctly maintained and fitting lifejackets that are suitable for the activity and to ensure their craft is fit for purpose. Under no circumstances should alcohol be consumed prior to entering the water.”
Lifeguard cover is provided at weekends during June and full-time during the months of July and August from 11am to 7pm at Clare’s Blue Flag beaches in Spanish Point, Lahinch, Spanish Point, Fanore, Whitestrand Doonbeg, Ballycuggeran, Mountshannon, Cappagh Pier, Kilkee and Whitestrand Miltown Malbay. Full-time cover will commence at Bishops Quarter (Ballyvaughan) and Seafield on July
A native of Ennis, Colin McGann has been editor of The Clare Champion since August 2020. Former editor of The Clare People, he is a journalism and communications graduate of Dublin Institute of Technology.