Fine Gael deputy, Alan Dillon, has called on the local authorities to bring forward beach lifeguarding on a full time basis for the month of June.
The TD outlined that at present, for the month of June, beaches have lifeguards on duty every Saturday and Sunday, from 12 pm to 6.30pm and highlighted the need for daily lifeguards to be put in place in June and not just for the weekends. For July and August, lifeguards will be on duty every day from 12 pm to 6.30 pm.
Dillon said: "Due to the Covid-19 pandemic we have seen all primary/secondary schools along with third-level colleges shut early, with thousands of young people at home and with the recent warm weather, we have seen a surge of people attending their local beaches.
"With the upcoming easing of travel restrictions on June 8 from 5km to 20km there is a high probability of increased visitor numbers attending our beaches and we must anticipate this surge and place public safety first.
"In Mayo, we have some of the most spectacular beaches in the country with nine designated on Mayo’s official life-guarded list at Keem Bay, Keel Beach, Silver Strand, Doogort, Mulranny Beach, Ross Strand (Killala ), Carrowniskey Strand, Carrowmore Beach, Old Head Beach and Bertra Beach.
Deputy Dillon concluded: "While the public is encouraged to visit our beaches where lifeguards are on duty, I feel the necessity for everyday lifeguards for June to ensure the public swim within patrol zones where they will be safe to do so."
