CORK County beach lifeguards rescued 22 people across all its patrolled beaches during the summer season this year, according to the latest figures from Cork County Council.

The season began during the June bank holiday weekend and beach lifeguards continued their patrols up until the first two weekends of September at beaches including West Cork beaches such as Inchydoney, The Warren, Barleycove, Tragumna, Garrettstown and Garrylucas

They assisted in 26 incidents of missing children as well as three incidents of missing adults.

Beach lifeguards were also involved in 39 assists during the season, while 17 rescues took place due to rips at the patrolled beaches.

‘First aid was administered to beach goers 303 times, while lifeguards gave advice to people 16,564 times, which on average was 17 times per day per beach,’ said a Council spokesperson.

‘First Aid was administered 303 times to beach goers while 7,284 accidents were prevented, which on average was seven per day per beach.’