Irish beaches to use new safety flag scheme for beach Lifeguards effective from Summer 2013
The new scheme, replacing the current two flag system, will give increased information to Beach users and is the first change in flag colours in over twenty years
No flag - no lifeguard
Red only - lifeguard on duty general unsafe to swim
Red / Brown - lifeguard on duty, unsafe to swim water quality
Red / Orange - lifeguard on duty, unsafe to swim jellyfish
Red / Yellow - lifeguard on duty
At the launch on Dollymount strand today, Minister for the marine, agriculture, language, children and the Islands, Leo Shartner said "we owe it to beach users to be clearer about the no swim flags, the previous 'Red for stop - no means no' was unclear to swimmers". The Minister, also announcing the launch of a pilot for a winter lifeguard service on surf beaches and special events, said Christmas Day Swims are a fundamental part of the fabric of Ireland and that this initiative would greatly enhance the Gathering.
A spokesperson for Sinn Fein critisied the change as unfair to colour blind and sight impaired swimmers who may wish to ignore only some red flags.
> April 1st post - this is not true
