The volunteers of the Ballybunion Rescue Service assist lifeguards with patrolling the beaches and coastline.
Six lifeguards are employed by Kerry County Council to patrol Ballybunion's beaches. While there have been some safety incidents, it is a testament to their work that nobody has drowned for ten years. The people of Ballybunion have now set up their own Voluntary Rescue Service offering support to the full-time lifeguards.
Ballybunion County Kerry is a traditional and very popular holiday location.
With the growing popularity of boating and windsurfing in the area, there was a need for an additional service as a backup to the beach lifeguards. There are 25 volunteers who work on a call-out basis and provide a patrol service on busy weekends at the beach.
Volunteers with the Ballybunion Beach Rescue Service (1986)
The volunteers use a boat bought for them by Spectra Laboratories and are reliant on local fundraising efforts to keep the service running.
Off the beaches, the volunteers also have plans to provide a cliff rescue service. Kerry Mountain Rescue have agreed to provide basic training to the volunteers.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 22 August 1986. The reporter is Andrew Kelly.
