Lifeguards & Designated Bathing Areas in County Carlow
Carlow County Council currently recognises four Designated Bathing Areas (DBAs) across two key locations along the River Barrow in Bagenalstown and Clashganny.
Lifeguard Cover
Lifeguards are employed by Carlow County Council for all four DBAs during the summer bathing season:
- June: Weekends only, from 14:00 to 20:00
- July & August: Seven days a week, from 14:00 to 20:00
Lifeguard cover is subject to weather conditions and availability.
Designated Bathing Area Locations
| Location | River Access | Parking |
|---|---|---|
| Bagenalstown – Boat Slip | Access via ladder adjacent to the boat slip. View location here. | Limited on-site parking |
| Bagenalstown – Amenity Area (Area 16) | Two river access points with safety rails and concrete steps. View location here. | Limited parking nearby |
| Clashganny – Amenity Area | River access with safety rails and concrete steps. View location here. | Limited on-site parking |
| Clashganny – Weir | River access via steps and safety rails adjacent to the weir. View location here. | Limited parking nearby |
Further Information
Water Safety: Carlow County Council encourages all swimmers to prioritise safety when enjoying Designated Bathing Areas. The following advice is based on guidance from Water Safety Ireland:
- Always swim at Designated Bathing Areas where and when lifeguards are on duty.
- Never swim alone – always ensure someone is nearby or aware of your location.
- Wait 48 hours after heavy rainfall before entering the water due to potential pollution.
- Enter the water gradually to avoid cold shock.
- Obey lifeguards’ instructions and respect the flag system.
- Children must be supervised at all times near water.
- Do not swim under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
For more water safety advice, visit www.watersafety.ie.
Water Quality Monitoring: All four Designated Bathing Areas in County Carlow are subject to regular water quality monitoring during the bathing season (June to September), in line with the Bathing Water Quality Regulations 2008 (SI No. 79 of 2008).
- Bi-weekly water samples are taken and analysed by Carlow County Council in conjunction with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
- Results are assessed for the presence of bacteria such as E. coli and Intestinal Enterococci.
- Water quality is then classified as Excellent, Good, Sufficient, or Poor, based on EU standards.
Members of the public can check the latest water quality results and updates for Carlow's designated bathing areas on: www.beaches.ie
The site provides real-time information on:
- Current water quality classifications
- Any active swim restrictions
- Details of sampling locations
- Bathing water profiles and historical data
For transparency and safety, signage is also updated at the bathing areas to reflect current water quality and any temporary advisories.