Concern over absence of lifeguards on Waterford beaches during warm weather

Concerns have been raised over the absence of lifeguards on beaches in County Waterford during a recent heatwave.

Fine Gael councillor Niamh O’Donovan raised the issue at the July plenary meeting of Waterford City and County Council.

Cllr O’Donovan expressed concern that there were no lifeguards present on local beaches on weekdays during the month of June.

She explained that during June, the council only has an obligation to provide lifeguards on Blue Flag beaches at weekends.

However, she expressed concern at this situation, particularly given the warm weather that was experienced last month.

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“Not having the presence of lifeguards when there’s thousands of people coming to our beaches, I think we’re definitely falling short of our responsibility,” Cllr O’Donovan said.

She also expressed concern that the public toilets at beaches in County Waterford are closing “far too early”.

In response to Cllr O’Donovan, Director of Services Ivan Grimes explained that lifeguards are now on duty every day of the week.

Mr Grimes said: “In relation to lifeguard services on our Blue Flag beaches, we’re now in July where there’s a seven-day-a-week service from 11am to 7pm on the traditional Blue Flag beaches.”

He explained that the council does not have the budget or the lifeguards to provide for a seven-day service in June.

“The issue of providing full-time services in June has arisen in the past. It’s not a requirement of the Blue Flag regulations.

“The requirement is for weekend service in June but it has arisen in the past.

“It has proved impossible to provide the service during the week because most of the people who are working as lifeguards are young, they’re often doing exams or finished exams and off on their post college holidays.

“We don’t have the budget to provide for a full-time service in June [...].”

He concluded by reiterating that there is now a seven-day service in place between the hours of 11am and 7pm.

On the issue of public toilets, Director of Services Gabriel Hynes said that the council has increased their opening times this summer.

“We will continue to review it going forward,” he added.