Donegal hosting European Youth Lifesaving Championships 2026

Donegal is all set to host the European Youth Lifesaving Championships for 2026.

The opening ceremony will take place on Friday, September 4, at the Water Safety Ireland Donegal Training Campus from 6:45 pm to 8:00 pm. The championships will take place on Rossnowlagh Beach on Saturday and Sunday.

The Championships will welcome athletes from across Europe to Rossnowlagh Beach. Renowned for its strong connection to swimming, surfing and lifesaving sport, the beach will host both beach and ocean competition events throughout the weekend.

Representing Ireland will be a team of youth athletes from seven counties who will compete against the continent's best while proudly representing their counties, communities and country on home soil.

The event will be largely run with the help and dedication of volunteers both from Water Safety Ireland and visiting international Water Safety organisations.

Jerry Buttimer TD, Minister of State at the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, with special responsibility for Community Development and Charities, and at the Department of Transport with special responsibility for Rural Transport, will attend the Opening Ceremony on Friday 4 September at the Water Safety Ireland - Donegal Training Campus.

International Lifesaving Federation of Europe (ILSE) Secretary General Christoph Freudenhammer and ILSE Sport Commission Member Wim Nuyens will be joining Minister Buttimer at the opening ceremony. Water Safety Ireland’s Chairperson, Clare McGrath, will also be present, acting in her role as an ILSE Board Member.

Competition heats and finals will take place throughout Saturday and Sunday, commencing from 8.45am each day. Medal presentations will take place on both competition days, with the Championships concluding following the final events on Sunday evening.

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme