Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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40. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the engagement she has had with local authorities with coastal beaches and inland swimming lakes on funding for extended lifeguard personnel; and if she intends to extend the lifeguard season in light of changing weather in months such as September. [20957/24]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Water Safety Ireland (WSI) is the statutory, voluntary body and registered charity established to promote water safety and reduce drownings in Ireland. WSI has statutory responsibility for the promotion of public awareness of water safety; advancement of education related to the prevention of accidents in water; instruction in water safety; and the establishment of national standards for lifeguards.

In 2023 I launched WSI’s Strategic Development Plan 2023-2027. Goal 5, with its four corresponding objectives, specifically focuses on lifeguarding, both costal beaches and inland lakes.

While WSI is an independent body under the aegis of my Department, the employment of lifeguards is a matter for the relevant local authority under the Local Government Acts. Neither my Department nor Water Safety Ireland have a remit in respect of local government employment including lifeguards and the extension of the lifeguard season.

Water Safety Development Officers (WSDO) are employees of the relevant local authority, and their duties typically include purchasing of water safety equipment for lifeguards, instructors and examiners, and employment of lifeguards at swimming areas during the summer season.