The official full time lifeguard season is now underway on beaches across Mayo for the summer season.
Nine beaches will have full time lifeguards on duty from 12pm to 6.30pm each day until the end of the season on Sunday, September 1. The beaches where full time lifeguards will be on patrol are Bertra, Carramore, Carrowniskey, Keel, Keem, Mulranny, Old Head, Ross Strand and Silver Strand (Achill ) - there will also be lifeguards on duty at the Belmullet Tidal Pool each day from 2pm to 6pm.
According to Mayo County Council: "The public are encouraged to visit the beaches where lifeguards are on duty and to swim within the patrol zones where they will be safe. Patrol Zones are located between the red and yellow flags at the beaches.
"If there is no designated bathing area near you, please ensure that you swim in areas that are known locally as safe and where there are ringbuoys available to effect a safe rescue. For further information on water safety procedures, visit the Water Safety Ireland Website www.iws.ie "
