Water Safety Ireland’s Open Water Swimming Guide offers practical tips to help you enjoy sea swimming safely. It stresses the importance of checking weather and tide conditions before you go, never swimming alone, and staying within your depth. You’ll find advice on preparing for cold water, wearing bright swim gear and a tow float so you can be seen, and getting out and warming up quickly after your swim.
The guide also reminds swimmers to avoid alcohol before entering the water and to be aware that conditions like rip currents, weather changes and underwater hazards can change quickly, so personal judgement and preparation are key. Read the full guide HERE
Water Quality
Bathing water quality at designated beaches in Waterford is monitored throughout the bathing season by the Environmental Protection Agency. You can check the latest water quality results, classifications and beach information at beaches.ie, helping you make an informed decision before you swim.
High Tides
You can check for high tides across Waterford HERE
Emergency Services
Safety comes first when open water swimming. If you get into difficulty, try to stay calm, float on your back, and signal for help. If you see someone in trouble, call 112 or 999 and ask for the Coast Guard.
Learn about Rip Currents here . . .
Article Modified: March 29, 2026 3:29 pm
