LIFEGUARDS IRELAND

Working as a LIFEGUARD in Ireland

2008-03-10T09:52:00.001Z

We have received numerous emails from all around the world seeking work as a Lifeguard here in Ireland. Getting a job on the beach or in a pool is not that easy !!Firstly, you will need to be a Citizen of the European Union to gain residence in Ireland and indeed there could be restrictions even within this category. If you are from outside the EU you will need a work permit. In both cases you should check with the Irish Embassy in your own country before even thinking of coming to Ireland.

The competition for positions on beaches is hotly contested and you will be required to successfully complete tests in water fitness, life saving skills and resuscitation before being even considered for a position. These tests usually take place around Easter time. Jobs are advertised in the local and national papers so you need to have access to these too!!

Employment is pools is somewhat similar and while your qualifications may be recognised that in itself is not a guarantee of employment. If you have qualifications, such as Surf Instructor, in addition to to that of a Lifeguard then opportunities do exist in Outdoor Leisure and Adventure Centres.

So...... our advice is firstly to check if you can enter and stay in the country legally. Secondly check websites and links for prospective jobs and the requirements and qualifications that may be required for any such position. If you want to work as a Beach Lifeguard then contact any on the maritime local authorities (County Councils) immediately for full details.Not easy is it ? lifeguards

Summer 2008 Job Opportunities in the USA

2008-03-10T08:35:00.000Z

We have been asked where are the best job opportunities this year for Lifeguards. Is it in Australia ? Check out the web!! The USA is the place to be if you wish to work as a Lifeguard this summer. Check out the web. Jobs everywhere!! Money is not always great but the experience is wonderful !! The work is mainly in open water swimming pools and there is a real shortage of Lifeguards this year.

Your RLSS Lifeguard Qualifications are readily accepted. But a few points to remember before you book your ticket! Check out any potential employer, most especially if it is not a State body or organisation. Make sure they are reputable and know your rate of pay. Do you need a visa? Remember you may have to do a 'local' test in both the water and in Life Support. If sending off credentials in advance - send only copies, never the originals. Let us know how you get on by sending us an email info@lifeguardsireland.com or post a comment to this Blog.
And above all -

"In Sea or Pools - know the Rules,
Take Care, be Aware"

Employment Beach Lifeguards Summer 2008

2008-03-10T08:30:00.000Z

That time has arrived again. The Local Authorities are now recruiting for positions on the beaches throughout the country. We have posted a few valuable links on out 'Employment Page' and if you are seriously interested you need to get moving!! It is a big advantage to hold your National Beach Lifeguard Qualification.

Firstly, you need to be making application to the Local Authority of your choice and indeed to a few others too, in case you don't get the one you want!! Most, if not all applications close around the end of March. Remember County Mayo comes highly recommended but then I am biased !!

Secondly, you need to be training for the water assessments and I really mean training. The tests are carried out by IWS on behalf of the Local Authorities. Remember the emphasis is on fitness and speed and it is against the clock and all held in a pool. The Life Support is the same as is taught by Lifesavers RLSS so hopefully it should not pose a great difficulty. Then you have the 'physical contact' rescues. While we in Lifesavers RLSS puts emphasis on non-contact rescues and the use of professional rescue equipment, you will be required to demonstrate your 'physical contact' lifesaving skills in this discipline.

Finally, if you get through all that you will be called for an interview by the Local Authority. Stress your professional training and discipline - that's what make you as a Lifesaver RLSS Beach Lifeguard special and different. All Local Authorities look for commitment and are impressed by appearance and presentation.

Good Luck !!

lifeguards

APPROVED SURF SCHOOLS 2007-2008

2007-06-28T15:17:00.000+01:00

SURF SCHOOLS AND APPROVAL SYSTEM 1st. June 2007 to 31st. May 2008
ISA Approved surf schools commit to operating under internationally recognised standards for the safe operation of surf schools to ensure that your experience of surfing is a safe and enjoyable one.
The ISA highly recommends using an ISA Approved surf school or club.
Approved Schools 1 June 2007 - 31st May 2008

Co Antrim

Troggs Surf Shop, 88 Main Street, Portrush, Co Antrim. Tel +44 (0) 28 70 825476 (From Rep of Ireland 048 70 825476) E-mail surflessons@troggs.comWebsite http://www.troggs.com/

Co Donegal

Adventure Ireland / Donegal Adventure Holidays, Donegal Adventure Centre & Surf School, Bundoran, Co Donegal Tel (353) 719842418 or 42412, Fax (353) 719842429 E-mail info@donegaladventurecentre.net Website http://www.donegaladventurecentre.net/or http://www.adventure-ireland.com/

Adventure One Surf School, Ballyheirnan Bay, Fanad, Co. Donegal, Tel 074 91 50262 E-mail iain@adventureone.netWebsite http://www.adventureone.net/

Bundoran Surf Co, Main Street, Bundoran, Co Donegal, Tel 071 98 41968. E-mail info@bundoransurfco.comWebsite http://www.bundoransurfco.com/

Fin Mc Cool Surf School, Rossnowlagh, Co Donegal. Tel 071 9859020 or 086 8409909 E-mail finmccools@gmail.com Website http://www.donegalsurfing.com/

Gartan Outdoor Education Centre, Churchill, Letterkenny. Co. Donegal Tel. 074 9137032 Fax 074 9137254 E-mail office@gartan.com Website http://www.gartan.com

ISS Inishowen Surf School, Inishowen, Co Donegal, Tel 087 7773323 E-mail danielgallanagh@eircom.net Website http://www.inishowensurfschool.com/

TurfnSurf Lodge and Surf School, 6 Bay View Terrace, The Peak, Bundoran, Co Donegal, Tel 087 2830667/ 071 9841091 Website http://www.turfnsurf.ie/ E-mail info@turfnsurf.ie

Co Sligo

Perfect Day Surf School, Strandhill, Co Sligo Tel 071 91 28488/ 087 2029399 E-mail info@perfectdaysurfing.comWebsite http://www.perfectdaysurfing.com/

Seventh Wave Surf School, Enniscrone, Co Sligo Tel 087 9716389 E-mail seventhwavesurfschool@yahoo.co.uk Website http://www.seventhwavesurfschool.com/

Strandhill Surf School, Beach Stores, Strandhill, Co Sligo, Tel 071 91 68483/087 2870817 E-mail strandhillsurfschool@eircom.netWebsite http://www.strandhillsurfschool.com/

North West Surf School, Enniscorne, Co Sligo Tel 087 9595556 E-mail info@nwsurfschool.com Website http://www.nwsurfschool.com/

Co Mayo

Surf Mayo, Bridge Street, Louiseburgh, Co Mayo, Tel 087 6212508, E-mail mailto:info@surfmayo.comoror emmet03@eircom.netWebsite http://www.surfmayo.com/

UISCE, Elly Bay, Clochar P.O, Ballina, Co Mayo Tel 097 82111, E-mail eolas@uisce.com Website http://www.uisce.com/

Co Clare

Aloha Surf School, Fanore, Co Clare, Tel 087 2133996 E-mail enquiries@surfschool.tvWebsite http://www.surfschool.tv/

Ben's Surf Clinic, Lahinch, Co Clare, Tel 0868448622, E-mail ben@benssurfclinic.com Website http://www.benssurfclinic.com/

Lahinch Surf School, Ballyfaudeen, Lahinch, Co Clare, Tel 065 7082061 Mobile 087 9609667 or 065 7082061 E-mail lahinchsurfschool@eircom.net Website http://www.lahinchsurfschool.com/

Co Kerry

Jamie Knox Watersports, The Maharees, Castlegregory, Co Kerry, Tel: (00353) 066 7139411. Website http://www.jamieknox.com/ E-mail jamieknox@eircom.net

KingdomWaves Surf School, Tralee, Co Kerry, Tel 087 7447958 E-mail tom@kingdomwaves.com Website http://www.kingdomwaves.com/

West Coast Surf School, Dingle, Co. Kerry. Tel 086 3067053 E-mail jamiebann@hotmail.com Website http://westcoastsurfschool.ie

Co Cork

Gtown Surf School, Garrettstown, Ballinspittle, Co Cork. Tel 021 4778884 or 087 8768549 E-mail info@surfgtown.comWebsite http://www.surfgtown.com/

West Cork Surf School, Inchydoney, Clonakilty, Co Cork Tel 086 8695396 E-mail col@westcorksurfing.comWebsite http://www.westcorksurfing.com/

Co Waterford

T-Bay Surf School, T-Bay Surf & Eco Centre, On the Beach, Tramore, Co Waterford, Tel 051 391297 Email info@surftbay.com or brittasbay@ireland.com Website http://www.surftbay.com/

Oceanic Manoeuvres Surf School, The Red Cottage, Tramore, Co. Waterford. Tel. 051 390944 E-mail http://oceanicmanoeuvres.com and http://www.oceanics.ie

New NBLQ and Surf Rescue

2007-04-07T12:14:00.000+01:00

It's brilliant to have both the new Beach Lifeguard Manual and the new NBLQ syllabus for the summer. But the inclusion of the additional specialist units is where it is really at !! The development of the surf rescue and malibu surf board are the main interests for me, but let's not forget the kayaks, advance fitness, spinal cord injury management (SCIM), Rescue Boat, AED/Oxygen and PWC.

So the next thing is to get the existing BLG-TAs up to speed and be in a position to deliver the new units, well the surf rescue and malibu board !!We hope to run a one-day course and sign off those TAs interested. So remember to keep a watch on the 'Courses' page for forthcoming venue/s.

Life Support for NBLQ holders.

2006-09-09T15:32:00.000+01:00

So we now have the new 'Life Support' protocols for Beach Lifeguards and soon to be made available to holders of the NPLQ and to Lifesavers. What do you make of it? It is certainly easier to remember and to teach.

Do you understand the rationale behind the changes? Have you any comments ? Let me know.

Beautiful Weather !! Heatwave in Ireland!!

2006-07-05T17:07:00.000+01:00

So I take it all back!! After writing about the terrible weather in May I really have to say that it is a long time since I remember a summer like this. Long may it continue !! In Ireland we are living on the new European Riviera.

New Beach Lifeguard Syllabus

2006-07-05T16:55:00.000+01:00

Well the good news is that it is almost out !! All the new additional specialist modules and most especially the 'Surf Rescue' are now being rolled out. The new protocols in Life Support are also included. I would expect that all TA's in every discipline will shortly be updated in Life Support.

Check your post box and if you have not been receiving mail then I have two questions for you -

Is your membership paid up to date ?

Has River House got your current and correct address ?

If not, then get moving and don't be left behind.

Weather Forecast

2006-05-22T12:18:00.000+01:00

Is that not our most common topic in Ireland? I think we should re-define our climate category. Are we really a temperate maritime climate? It is so cold!! It is so wet !! It is so windy!! Moan....Moan ....... So what to do? I certainly don't see any signs of global warming. OK, so if the icebergs are melting is that why the ocean is so cold? An old friend of mine had a verse " cast not a clout till May is out". So what is the rest of the verse? What is the plan of action for June/July/Aug.

Anyway............. As is often said to end a conversation that one does not relish. On the positive side that grass is so green and the trees are really sweetly blooming. The swallows have returned and I am waiting patiently on the call of the Cuckoo. I would love to hear a corncrake. Just once. So if you heard a bird calling please let me know. Have need will travel!!

ISA Surf Seniors Success in Lifeguarding

2006-01-12T18:43:00.000Z

Congrats to Tom, KT, Andy, Pete and Rick on successful qualifying as National Beach Lifeguards. It was a great course with a 'serious' input from the lads. This is the first group to achieve the additional specialist module of " SURF LIFEGUARD". It is only right that this recognition should go in the first instance, to them. All are leaders in the surfing scene and in the Irish Surfing Association. Tom is the ISA Senior Coach and also runs his own surf school. He can be contacted in Strandhill, Co. Sligo at his surf shop - 'Perfect Day'. KT or Kevin runs his surf school out of Dungloe, Co. Donegal. It's called Doey Surf School. Andy can be contacted at Irish Surfing Association headquarters in Easkey, Co. Sligo. Pete is the 'main man' at Bundoran Surf Company operating his surf school and running his surf shop. Rick works along with Pete. If you are interested in learning how to surf or about surf them these are the guys. If you have young family wishing to get started surfing then go for it! Here are their their website links -

Check out the web link for details of APPROVED SURF SCHOOLS -

'Irish Surfing Association'

Remember to check out the safety advice specially written for surfers on the ISA website. You can download their safety leaflet.

" In sea or pools - know the rules,

Take Care and Be Aware "

lifeguards

Thanks for a great summer Lads!! JB

Jet-skis for Beach Lifeguards

2006-01-12T18:19:00.001Z

lifeguards

When I read about jet-skis in the newspapers it always seems to be bad press. Now I read that some Local Authorities are preparing to introduce by-laws to control their use on beaches. Well this makes sense as like many of you I have seen some crazy behavior on beaches where both swimmers and surfers are in the water. Not only can they present a danger to other water users but also to themselves. Accidents also happen, not necessary as a result of bad behavior, and sadly this has resulted in loss of life.

But having said that..... wehat about the positive side. I think that they could be a tremendous asset to Lifeguards. You can get out through the surf breaks with ease and go from point A to B in secs !! One Lifeguard could cover a zone more effectively and speedily. This system works well in Lanzarote. From the employers perspective it could be cost effective as it might mean less Lifeguards!

The introduction of proper training and a licensing system for the individual rider would be a good start. Limiting the age to which one can opertate a ski and enforced control of the 'renting out' of skis could also help.

We are all waiting (patiently!) on the introduction of the 'additional specialist modules' to the beach Lifeguard programme, especially surf rescue and advanced Lifeguard fitness. So come on RLSS - let's have a 'specialist' additional module to the National Beach Lifeguard Qualification to develop the skills of Lifeguards in the use of jet-skis!!.

Litter on Irish Beaches and in our Seas.

2006-01-12T18:19:00.000Z

I was reading a very interesting article last night - which I suppose shocked me! Not that I am sure that it was 100% correct in the detail but it sure made me think. So let me share some of the points that I picked up on and may'be some learned scientist out in cyberspace could put me right -

It is suggested that plastic is one of the big problems in the oceans of the world. It is so strong and does not break down easily. It's light so it floats and gets caught in boat propellers and nets. It is suggested that over 80% of marine pollution comes from the land.

Leatherback turtles found in Irish waters are known to mistake plastic bags for their favourite food which of course is jellyfish! Once in the animal's stomach the poor turtle slowly dies. Plastic six-pack rings get stuck around the necks of seabirds. So what about bio-degradable plastics? It seems that it needs sunlight to breakdown so when buried in landfills it lasts just as long as other plastics. Over 150 marine species in our waters are known and recorded to have become entangled with plastics.

Another fact to ponder. Is it true that radioactive chemicals in the seas will be there for the tens of thousands of years from now?

Consider what happens to our rubbish when left on our beaches or dumped at sea. This it seems, is how long it takes to breakdown in our waters -

Paper 2-4 months. Cigarette butts 0-12 years. Plastic wrappers and bags 10-20 years. Nylon Fabrics 30-40 years. Tin Cans 80-100 years. Plastic six-packs holders 450 years. Monofilament line and Styrofoam cups etc., non-bio-degradable so it will be there forever!!
It must be just scare tactics? Please someone tell me this cannot be true? If it is then I for one am pleased that the Minister introduced a levy on plastic carrier bags. I do hope that the new waste management programmes being introduced by Government and Local Authorities are supported, implimented and most of all enforced. It makes sewage pollution seem positively harmless!! So all you marine biologists and scientists give me the true facts about our seas and oceans. I like to hear what surfers have to say about pollution on our beaches and in our waters around Ireland. And another thing!! What is the foam that is blown up onto the beaches? Tell me about fertilisers washed into our rivers, streams and seas. What exactly does it do to our environment?? Answers please someone ....?

Race Against Waste : Home

2006-01-12T18:18:00.000Z

Race Against Waste : Home This is my site of the Day !!! So keep it clean.

A Day at the Seaside 1956

2006-01-12T18:12:00.000Z

Would you believe ? This is a lot of memories !! Or is it a case of where are they now ?? Those days were really hot and the sun always shone. Honest! Warm Cidona and soggy sandy sandwiches. Clegs or 'pissmires' which brought up the most vicious lump, which you scratched until it bled. Were you brave enough to pick up a jellyfish on the beach? A 6d (penny) ice-cream between two wavers was a real treat but you had to eat it up quickly before it melted. Then you got the dreaded ice-cream headache .... but it was worth it! The sea was so refreshingly cool and we were so brave as we skipped through the foam and ebbing ripples.

Last Chance in 2005 for the Beach Lifeguard Courses

2005-08-29T19:52:00.000+01:00

So all you guys that have been emailing Lifeguards Ireland ............... this is it !! Courses for the National Beach Lifeguard Qualification in 2005 are winding down. If you are waiting for the snow, well ok, there are courses in Feb 2006.
However, if not then check out our 'Courses' page right now.

Why can't I get support to run Lifesaving Classes ?

2005-06-27T20:19:00.000+01:00

In response to the email you sent out with clippings I would like to say that I hate to see a lonely neglected man so here I am!!
Reading about these stories from other countries funnily enough has drawn my attention to the current situation in Ireland. I myself am living in County Galway and am sad of hearing about deaths through drowning in the Corrib. I believe that there are a lot of young men out there between the ages of 20 to 28 committing suicide, indeed many choosing to drown themselves.

I live near a lake and in view of that and as I have two boys of my own that I would like to do something that would benefit the community and also create more awareness about the lake by running a swim /rookie camp on the lake.As a qualified Swimming Teacher, a Lifesaver and Pool Lifeguard Trainer I want to help make a contribution and increase water safety knowledge - without all the politics and stepping on anyone’s toes!! Every time I try to do something, as a RLSS Trainer Assessor, in this field I am passed on to the faceless ‘chairman’ and subsequently fobbed off - when all I want to do is help with safety in water. I have the skills but it seems that the ‘establishment’ does not want to know.

Hass anyone else come up against this problem and met this attitude?

Has any body done anything about it in Ireland I would be interested in talking to them...

Regards,Suzanne
You can email me at - info@connachtsafety.com

Click here for 'Photo Gallery'

2005-06-11T19:10:00.000+01:00

I found a satellite photograph of the storm which hit the Irish coast on the 11th. Jan. 2005. I have to say I have never seen anything like it on our weather charts before or since. Have a look - I have also posted it into the 'Photo Gallery'. It sure scared the s*** out of me !! Does anyone remember ' her ' name ?

So what is it like to lifeguard in Ireland? Is it the same as Hawaii? Ummm! So we have also added a photo of Dublin Lifeguards to the 'Photo Gallery'. We think it needs a caption and a description. Can you help? If you are one of the Lifeguards in the pic - then let us know.

Are there any Pool Life Guard Courses in Dublin ?

2005-04-05T18:19:00.000+01:00

Are there no Pool Lifeguard Courses anywhere in Dublin? We have contacted all the pools in our area. Nothing!! So what's up? Courses just simply don't exist. My friend and me are hoping to travel to the US to work this summer and need a lifeguard qualification. We are willing to travel within a reasonable distance of Dublin. Can you help ?
Eamonn. Dublin 15

Views on the Uses and Dangers of Jet-skis

2005-03-31T17:37:00.001+01:00

I recently read the article below on jet skis. My own view is that they would be an excellent for patrolling or as a rescue craft. Please read the article. It might be a little out of date but it offers an insight.

Jet-Skis
A recent review of coastal zone management co-ordinated by the DETR noted the need for legal provisions to keep up with developments (DETR 1999). The advent of jet-skis (also known as personal watercraft, or by their other trade names: wet-bikes, wave-runners, or sea-doos) would seem to be one such development. The fact that these 'one or two man' watercraft travel very fast (ie. over 65mph), can enter even the shallowest waters, and have little by way of launching requirements, make them worthy of special consideration.

Sales of jet-skis in Europe are unknown but in the USA the value of the industry is put at $1.4 billion and some 200,000 are sold there each year (Earth Island 1999). Their poor human-safety record has been recognised as a problem in Ireland for some time. I welcome comments.

'Save a Baby's Life'

2005-03-01T17:22:00.000Z

This two hour session will take place in the Tir Hugh Centre in Ballyshannon on 16/4/2005. If you are in any way involved with babies ........... the feeding, the caring or the making of, then no excuses!! Contact Rita at Tir Hugh or Martin on his mobile. I did this course a few years back and what struck me was the willingness of parents (yes, Daddies too) to learn and participate. Good on you both, Martin and Rita! So, now go back to our 'Courses' page for all the details. http://www.lifeguardsireland.com/courses.htm

St. Valentine's Day

2005-02-10T14:58:00.000Z

The day is fast approaching! God help us if we happened to forget the occasion. Life would really not be worth living. But I am not (no way) buying roses. Have you priced 12 roses !!! It is crazy. So, I found the perfect gift. It is a solid silver " Rolo" It is an exact replica of the real thing. You know the thing ............ do you love anyone enough to give them your last Rolo?
It comes in its own little presentation box at €49.99 and I had it engraved free. So you give her something of value with a real packet of Rolos and are you on a promise or what !!!
If you want to know where to get one send me an email info@lifeguardsireland.com But you better do it quickly.

Reviews of 'Lifesaver Ireland' and 'Lifeguard Links' newsletters

2005-01-20T22:59:00.000Z

Well ..... I am really impressed! These guys are really getting it together. Loads of information and keeping everyone in touch. Both are excellent newsletters and I like the different styles of the editors.The use of colour really sets if off. Very professional. It is a pity that the distribution is not wider. I know you can download the IQL IRELAND newsletter 'Lifeguard Links' on the Documents Download. But it is never the same as having your own paper copy. I hope that the 'Lifesaver Ireland' newsletter will also become available online. If you haven't got either copy I suppose you could contact IQL IRELAND for the one and the Lifesaving Co-ordinator for the other. Well you could plead. You will get their email addresses on the website.

Does anyone know are there any Newfoundland Dogs in Ireland ? Let me know. Never mind swimming with a dolphin - I want to swim with a Newfie!

Storm and Beach Lifeguard Courses in Jan. 2005

2005-01-19T18:19:00.000Z

Well, we survived the storm in Donegal. The wind reached to 100mph gusts on the western seaboard. Much structural damage, fallen trees and local flooding. Sadly, one death resulted from the severe gales in Derry. With the new moon and all the heavy rainfall all we were afraid of was the wind direction!! However it remained south-west backing off west. It is the northern gales that would cause us the biggest problems!
Now it is back to planning the next beach lifeguard course.
The DAC in Bundoran and T-Bay in Tramore have already flagged their intentions to run courses in February. All the details are on the courses page on the website. Get in touch with Eoin in DAC or Billy in T-Bay.
All Surf Coaches get booking - this is your opportunity to acquire your NBLQ. Don't leave it until the middle of the season. Any you surf dudes in the Dungloe area pass on our cool regards to KT.!!

Weather update.

2005-01-11T01:33:00.000Z

Tue. Morning. We have been waiting on the NW storm to hit the coast. HW is at 05.52 hrs. with a 4.5 metre tide. I checked the swell on the Marker Buoy M4 off Rossan Point and it steady at 3.1 metres. Wind speed gusting 34 knots. What is happening to our climate ? http://www.lifeguardsireland.com