Bathing season gets underway this June Bank Holiday weekend – please remember to respect the water

The 2026 bathing season gets underway this June Bank Holiday weekend, and Fingal County Council is reminding everyone to respect the beach, respect the water and respect other users of the coast.

Following the recent glorious weather, Fingal County Council is marking the start of the summer season by showcasing the Blue Flag and Green Coast Awards achieved across its coastline ahead of what is expected to be another busy summer from 1 June through to mid-September

Balcarrick Beach in Donabate has once again achieved both Blue Flag and Green Coast Award status, recognising its excellent water quality, environmental management and natural beauty. Its long stretch of sand, dune system and popular bathing area continue to make it one of Fingal’s standout locations.

Further south, Velvet Strand in Portmarnock has retained its Blue Flag status, which it has held since 2014. The beach remains a popular destination for swimmers and walkers alike and continues to meet the high standards required to maintain the award.

During the bathing season, water quality at designated beaches will be monitored regularly, with results made available to the public at www.beaches.ie and fingal.ie. All ten identified beaches have met “excellent” for the pre-season samples taken this week.

Members of the public are reminded that following periods of heavy rainfall, it is advisable to avoid contact with the water for up to 48 hours due to potential impacts on water quality. 

As the bathing season officially gets underway, lifeguards will begin to be on duty at designated beaches from 11 am to 7 pm on weekends (from Saturday 30 May), and then daily during July and August. Additionally, our lifeguards will be present on Blue Flag beaches during the first two weekends of September. 

While we endeavour to have lifeguards in place as scheduled, this may not always be possible due to operational requirements. We will provide weekly updates via our social media channels confirming which lifeguard stations are in operation and their hours, as well as having details on our website.

Lifeguards operate to support public safety, and all beach users are encouraged to follow their instructions and always observe warning flags and signage. Care should always be taken when swimming, particularly in changing sea conditions. Where beaches are unattended, members of the public are advised to exercise extreme caution and, in the event of an emergency, contact the Coast Guard, Gardaí, Ambulance, and Fire Service on 112 or 999. Both numbers are free to call from any mobile or landline and connect directly to all emergency services.

As visitor numbers increase over the summer, Fingal County Council is asking everyone to play their part in protecting the coastline:

• Take litter home or use bins provided
• Avoid leaving waste behind, which can harm wildlife and affect water quality
• Clean up after your dog – even small amounts of dog waste pose a serious health risk, particularly for children
• Be mindful of other beach users and shared spaces

Simple actions help ensure that Fingal’s beaches remain clean and enjoyable for all.

Sinead Murphy, Director of Operations, Fingal County Council, said:

“As we look ahead to the 2026 bathing season, Fingal County Council is delighted to welcome residents and visitors back to enjoy our stunning coastline, which remains a source of pride for our communities and offers outstanding opportunities for recreation and wellbeing. 

“We are particularly pleased to receive two Blue Flag awards and a Green Coast Award once again, recognising the high standards achieved across our beaches in water quality, environmental management, safety and facilities. 

“As we prepare for a busy summer, we urge all beach users to prioritise safety by swimming in lifeguarded areas, following advice, and being aware of water safety guidance, so that everyone can enjoy a safe, clean and welcoming coastline. Fingal’s 88km coastline offers a wide range of beaches and amenities for residents and visitors alike. As the busy summer season begins, everyone is encouraged to enjoy these spaces responsibly and to look out for one another.’’