Calls for consistent hours for lifeguards during summer

Fresh scrutiny has been put on lifeguard hours during summer beach patrols, as hot weather continues. Lifeguards are organized by local authorities, but the sector has faced recruitment challenges for years. Fine Gael Senator Michael Kenneally has called for coordinated beach lifeguard seasons across all summer months to ensure lifeguards are on duty when needed. Senator Kenneally highlighted inconsistency in lifeguard hours across the 21 local authorities, urging them to respond to good weather spells.

Water Safety Ireland CEO Dr Joanne Walsh also supports standardised lifeguard hours, emphasizing the importance of keeping water safe for people. However, she noted that standardising hours must be done in a practical and safe manner, considering the tourism-driven nature of the lifeguard role in Ireland. Dr Walsh explained that the lifeguard season's timeframe poses recruitment problems, as most applicants are third-level students or older secondary school students who take exams and return to school in September.