Inshore Rescue Boat Course

On Sunday 3rd of November our IRB Crew & Helm Exam took place at Inchydoney Beach

Conditions on the day were very good for the exam and we want to thank Examiner Pat O’ Grady for travelling from Water Safety Ireland – Clare to conduct the test.

Throughout the summer Instructor Justin Crowley has been working hard teaching the trainees. How to operate an IRB both as a crew member and Helm. Enabling them to conduct Rescues as part of IRB organisations and for SLS competitions.

We also want to thank John O’ Sullivan and the team from Inchydoney Inshore Lifeboat Association to allow us to use their facilities and to pass on knowledge to the trainees throughout the course.

Well done everyone ???? and we hope to see you all manning the boat in the future

Examiner Award

Congratulations to Eoin O’Driscoll who received his Examiners certificate yesterday in Ballinasloe

Eoin is a valued member, instructor, deck manager and now examiner who has spent many hours dedicating his time towards water safety education. Not only this but his work within Cork Water Safety Committee is also valued which is greatly appreciated.

Well done Eoin

National Service Awards Ceremony 2024

National awards ceremony 2024

Service awards

– Diarmuid O’ Donnabháin (30 years service)

Hilary Lynch: (30 years service)

– Fiona Dineen: (30 years service)

– Siobhan Bradley: (20 years service)

Well done everyone on achieving these milestones. Your commitment is highly valued. From instructing, deck manager, committee roles, examiners, pool and beach guard tutor as well as SLS referee

Long service award

Happy International Volunteer day and Congratulations to Áine Ó Sullivan on reaching a long service award for 15 years ????

Aine has been a valued member of our organisation within the roles of Certificate Secretary and Summer Weeks officer

Her help is much appreciated and valued thank you very much Aine

????pictured is Husband and Chair Martin Ó Sullivan presenting Aine with her certificate and medal

National Awards Ceremony 2024

Water Safety Ireland national awards ceremony 2024

????What a night we had during the national award ceremony witnessing many receipants recieving awards for volunteering, sport and rescues… Well done everyone

Amongst them were members from Cork????pictured below.

Aisling Barry, Co. Cork

Aisling Barry, a standout athlete from Co. Cork, has solidified her place as one of Ireland’s top lifesaving competitors. Earning a spot on the Senior National Team, she travelled to Australia in August for the World Lifesaving Championships, where her leadership qualities shone brightly. For the second consecutive year. Aisling was named Female Captain of the team, a testament to the high regard in which she is held by the coaching staff.

Competing against world-class athletes. Aisling showcased her determination and skill, delivering exceptional performances. As a key member of the SERC (Simulated Emergency Response Competition) team, she helped secure a bronze medal, contributing significantly to Ireland’s overall success.

Her achievements extend beyond the international arena, as Aisling continues to excel in national competitions also with a number national records to her name, demonstrating the results of her unwavering dedication and rigorous training. Aisling’s accomplishments are a testament to her remarkable talent and commitment to lifesaving, making her a well- deserved recipient of the Sports Person of the Year award.

– Carlos Amaya (left), Aaron O Callaghan (right), Co. Cork

On the 18th of March 2024, at Garrettstown beach. Carlos had just reached his van after teaching a surf lesson when he heard shouting for help. He spotted a family in distress in the water. A woman was standing on rocks in the water, shouting at 3 members of her family, who were further out to sea and being pulled outwards by a rip current.

Carlos immediately grabbed his surfboard and ran towards the water. Another surfer Aaron, who was already in the water was also making his way towards those in distress. By the time they reached the three people, they were approximately 200 metres from shore. Carlos focused on rescuing the two children with the aid of his surfboard and managed to bring them safely to the shore. Aaron assisted the father of the children who had become exhausted and brought him safely to shore. All three made a full recovery. The swift and brave actions of both Carlos and Aaron undoubtedly prevented the loss of life and for this we thank them for their efforts.

– Michael Walsh (right ), Amy Walsh (left), Co. Cork

On a Thursday evening in February 2021, a woman got into difficulty while swimming at Dunworley beach. She was pushed by the turbulent tide into a blowhole where she became trapped and as the tide closed in she could not see anything as visibility was very poor. Michael and his mother Amy were out walking, when Amy noticed clothing and a phone near the waterline of the beach. They observed the beach from the slipway and they could not see anyone in the water. As a precaution, they decided to make their way

over to a rocky area to ensure that there was nobody in difficulty. Amy proceeded to yell into the blowhole, and they could hear a cry for help

Michael immediately obtained a ringbuoy that was located beside the blowhole. He climbed into the blowhole and threw the ringbuoy towards the woman. Thankfully, she managed to grab hold of the ringbuoy. Meanwhile. Amy went to her car and obtained a lifejacket. She passed this onto Michael who managed to successfully throw the lifejacket to the woman. Michael held onto the rope of the ringbuoy for over fifteen minutes until emergency services arrived. They took over and successfully brought the woman to safety. The woman made a full recovery Well done Amy and Michael.

Fantastic achievements and selfless acts carried out. Well done everyone and keep up the great efforts for helping others ????.

Last day of BLG season 2024

Final weekend chalked down for 2024

Cork Co Co Beachguards Lifeguards will lower their flags for the final time this season at 1900

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We want to thank them for all their hard work this season and dedication towards saving lives, first aid treatment, advising those unaware of dangers in the water and continous CPD.

Excellent work everyone and we’ll see you in 2025????????

Pictured below Galley Head teams:

Owenahinca and The Warren ????????

Beach Lifeguard Season 2024

Well folks. Today Marks the end of our full time season for 2024. ????????

What an amazing summers we had and our Lifeguards did such an amazing job watching the water???? conducting rescues????‍♂️, treating first aids ????as well as continuing to advise everyone who visited the beach about Water Safety ????

We’ll be back for one final weekend 7th & 8th September and that will then conclude our season for 2024…….see you all next summer

Pictured below: Old Head teams

(Garrylucas and Garretstown)

Cork Primary Schools Water Safety Webinars

Cork County Council & Cork Sports Partnership are hosting 3 Water Safety Education Webinars for Primary School Children from 2nd to 6th class. Cork County Council Water & Road Safety Development Officer Caroline Casey will cover safety tips and advice in advance of the Summer Holidays!

Topics Include:

  • 14 Steps to Keeping Safe around Water this Summer
  • The Beach Lifeguards in County Cork
  • Dangers of using Inflatable toys at the beach, river or lake
  • How to call the Emergency Services
  • How to recognise Dangerous parts of the sea like currents
  • Meet A Beach lifeguard and get a chance to ask some questions
  • Responsible decision making
  • Hear Padraig’s story about his son James

Webinar Details:

  • Schools Water Safety Webinar 1: 23rd May
  • Schools Water Safety Webinar 2: 3rd June
  • Schools Water Safety Webinar 3: 20th June
  • Time: All 9.30am-10.15am
  • Live Via: Microsoft Teams
  • Queries: Email jkirby@corksports.ie
  • Registration: To secure your classes place complete the online form below