Training course to take place in Sligo in early in 2026 to avert lifeguard shortage

By Philip Rooney, The Sligo Champion

Councillor Edel McSharry has welcomed Sligo County Council’s response to her motion seeking clarity on lifeguard recruitment plans for the 2026 bathing season. The motion followed last year’s significant staffing difficulties, when several Sligo beaches were left without lifeguard cover during busy periods, raising serious public safety concerns.

“I am pleased to see the Council taking early, practical action,” Cllr McSharry said. “Running a subsidised Beach Lifeguard Course here in County Sligo is a major step forward. It reduces the usual €400–€550 cost to €300, and gives young people a genuine opportunity to gain this essential qualification.”

Applications for the course are now open on the Council website until 14 January 2026, with training taking place in February and March. Those who complete the course and secure employment as lifeguards for the 2026 bathing season will receive a partial refund of the fee. Cllr McSharry is encouraging young people to apply early, noting that places are limited. The initiative is being promoted across schools, colleges, swim clubs, surf schools and social media to ensure strong engagement.

While acknowledging the progress, Cllr McSharry is urging the Council to strengthen the incentive further by offering a full refund of the €300 fee to all who complete the course and take up lifeguard roles for the 2026 season.

“Last year’s recruitment issues stemmed from concerns around pay, training costs and wider difficulties in attracting applicants. If we want fully staffed beaches and the highest safety standards, we must remove every barrier. A full refund upon employment would show that Sligo values its lifeguards and is committed to keeping our beaches safe.”

Cllr McSharry emphasised that adequate lifeguard coverage is vital for residents, visitors and the local tourism economy. “Lifeguards save lives. We cannot risk a repeat of last summer’s gaps in coverage. This is about public safety, confidence and ensuring Sligo’s beaches remain welcoming and secure for all.”

The motion was supported by Cllr Ann Higgins who said, “This is a fantastic initiative,” but asked for further consideration be given to a full refund saying, “€300 is a lot of money for some people to find in one chunk.”

Cllr Michael Clarke raised the issue of Dunmoran Strand beach when he said there was, “No lifeguard in the season gone by. There are thousands of people attending the beach and it is a vital piece of our tourism industry.” Cllr Clarke added, “The summer has moved a lot, the moth of May has to be looked at.”

Cllr Paul Taylor also supported the motion saying, “It’s been difficult over the last number of years, the uptake hasn’t been great. The numbers haven't been what we’d like them to be so anything that can be done to improve that I think we should try because it is very important that every area that has a beach that you can swim at that we have a lifeguard there.”

Jim Molloy, Director of Climate & Infrastructure noted “This is a pilot initiative,” adding the local authority are “Reluctant to offer full refunds at this stage until we see how it works out.”

Mr Molloy noted there have been difficulties getting lifeguards to the beaches in Dunmoran Strand and Streedagh adding it was easier at Rosses Point and Enniscrone but there were still issues.”

Mr Molloy concluded by saying, “This is a pilot, hopefully it delivers for us.”

Article Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.