Rookie and NLA Teen Lifeguards collect 89kg of rubbish from Downings Beach

Donegal Lifeguards & Leisure Training has hosted numerous child and teen lifeguard training camps at Downings Beach.

One of the many vital responsibilities of a lifeguard is helping to ensure that the Blue Flag beaches retain their prestigious Blue Flag status. Blue Flag beaches are recognised as the cleanest beaches in Ireland with pristine water quality. 

“This is only possible thanks to the general public respecting our coastline by using the bins provided, or if bins are full/unavailable, bringing rubbish home,” Donegal Lifeguards & Leisure Training said. “If a beach loses its Blue Flag status, it often means that the water is no longer safe for swimming and the beach may have to close. This can put local Lifeguards' jobs in jeopardy.

“We are proud to share that, over the past five months, our Rookie and NLA Teen Lifeguards have collected an incredible 89kg of rubbish from Downings Beach. All of this data was uploaded via the Clean Coasts app, a brilliant initiative by CleanCoasts.org, who organise beach clean-ups and encourages volunteers across Ireland to record and share their efforts. Congratulations to all the young volunteers at Donegal Lifeguards for their hard work and dedication in protecting our coastline.”