Home — Water Safety Ireland

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Library

Primary School

Now every child can learn basic water safety skills in the classroom with PAWS – Primary Aquatics Water Safety!

Dedicated Resources

Have you got a local query?

Our Water Safety Area Committees organise courses and other initiatives throughout Ireland – get involved with water safety in your local area.

Contact your local Water Safety Area Committee

Water Safety Awareness At Work

Make water safety a part of your workplace today.

Our courses are certified and available online.

Find a course for your workplace

Members

We offer a range of membership options. Find out more about our resources and

Together, Let’s Bring Drownings Down

Become a member/volunteer

Garda Vetting

Member’s Resources

Technical Updates

Lifeguarded Waterways

Traditionally, our local authorities employ Water Safety Ireland assessed lifeguards during the bathing season at popular bathing sites nationwide. For operational reasons, and in light of the Covid-19 pandemic restrictions, details for the 2020 bathing season may differ. Please contact the relevant local authority for confirmation.

Lifeguarded Waterways By County

Be Winter Ready

Find all the information you need to be prepared for whatever winter brings. Preventative actions will make your life easier.

See the comprehensive guide

See the comprehensive guide (as Gaeilge)

Agriculture Be Winter Ready Leaflet (as Gaeilge)

Find more helpful advice

In the News

Latest news and articles from Water Safety Ireland

1106, 2022

“A father and son went out on an inflatable paddle board and within minutes they were over a kilometre from shore.”

“A father and son went out on an inflatable paddle board and within minutes they were over a kilometre from shore.”

1106, 2022

“I see so many people jumping into rivers and lakes without thinking. You have to check the depth and be aware of hidden dangers.”

“I see so many people jumping into rivers and lakes without thinking. You have to check the depth and be aware of hidden dangers.”

1106, 2022

“We see kayaks and paddle boards getting caught in rip currents, changing tides and offshore winds. The right training is essential.”

“We see kayaks and paddle boards getting caught in rip currents, changing tides and offshore winds. The right training is essential.”

1106, 2022

“A girl I taught in our summer water safety classes used her skills to safely rescue four people. She was just 15 at the time.”

“A girl I taught in our summer water safety classes used her skills to safely rescue four people. She was just 15 at the time.”

1106, 2022

“An incoming tide left nine people stranded on a sandbank. It all happended in 15 minutes.”

“An incoming tide left nine people stranded on a sandbank. It all happended in 15 minutes.”

1106, 2022

“In a single day, we located eight lost children. Three of them had gone missing at the same time.”

“In a single day, we located eight lost children. Three of them had gone missing at the same time.”

2212, 2021

A Christmas Message from Clare McGrath, Chair of Water Safety Ireland

A Christmas Message from Clare McGrath, Chair of Water Safety Ireland

812, 2021

New Chair Appointed to Water Safety Ireland

New Chair Appointed to Water Safety Ireland

Water Safety Statistics

76%

MALE DROWNINGS

76% of the 124 drownings a year are male

24%

FEMALE DROWNINGS

24% of the 124 drownings a year are female

62%

INLAND: RIVERS & LAKES

62% of all drownings happen inland on our rivers or lakes

30%

ALCOHOL

Almost 1/3 of drowning victims over the last decade had consumed alcohol

Upcoming Courses & Events

From beginners to professionals, we provide courses to keep you and your loved ones safe in the water – it’s never too late to learn about water safety

Looking for Something?

Primary School

Have you got a local query?

Water Safety Awareness At Work

Members

Lifeguarded Waterways

Be Winter Ready

In the News

“A father and son went out on an inflatable paddle board and within minutes they were over a kilometre from shore.”

“I see so many people jumping into rivers and lakes without thinking. You have to check the depth and be aware of hidden dangers.”

“We see kayaks and paddle boards getting caught in rip currents, changing tides and offshore winds. The right training is essential.”

“A girl I taught in our summer water safety classes used her skills to safely rescue four people. She was just 15 at the time.”

“An incoming tide left nine people stranded on a sandbank. It all happended in 15 minutes.”

“In a single day, we located eight lost children. Three of them had gone missing at the same time.”

A Christmas Message from Clare McGrath, Chair of Water Safety Ireland

New Chair Appointed to Water Safety Ireland

Water Safety Statistics

Upcoming Courses & Events

Water Safety Ireland Term Lifesaving Classes

January 1, 2020 - January 1, 2027

Swimming Teacher Continuous Professional Development

October 10, 2022 @ 8:00 pm - June 15, 2023 @ 10:00 pm

Free Surf Instructor & Beach Lifeguard Training Course with Kerry College

December 5, 2022 @ 8:00 am - May 22, 2023 @ 5:00 pm

Water Safety Classes, Leisureland, Co. Galway

January 15 @ 9:30 am - June 4 @ 11:00 am