Update on the Cove designated bathing status and lifeguard

I have been contacted by many people who swim in The Cove, it’s progress towards becoming a designated bathing area and the possibility of getting lifeguards. The Environment section in Wicklow County Council have been looking at this and I asked them to present to the Greystones District meeting to update us on what, if any, progress was made.

At last night’s meeting we were informed that the risk assessment has been done and  there is a recommendation for lifeguard service to be provided in both The Cove and also Kilcoole beach.   Despite this the Council informed us that after examining the costs of this, coupled with the difficulty in lifeguard recruitment, that it is not a feasible option.  

Other recommendations from the water risk assessment report have been implemented such as the provision of extra ringbuoys. Upon further questioning they clarified that The Cove needs one more year of  good water testing results to become a designated bathing area beach.

While this is disappointing news on some respects, I welcome the fact that there is now clarity around this topic and that the water quality testing will continue.