Watergate Bay Beach
Watergate Bay is a privately owned beach, which frequently picks up swell from the Atlantic. The beach is at the foot of some steep cliffs, and at low tide it stretches for over 2 miles. There are several access paths down to the beach, the easiest of which is in front of the local hotels.
Lifeguard patrol dates 2025*
| Easter School Holidays 05 April - 21 April |
| Weekends Only 26 April - 27 April |
| Daily 03 May - 28 September |
| Weekends Only 04 October - 19 October |
| October Half Term 25 October - 02 November |
| Patrol times 10am - 6pm |
| Please remember - No Flags = No Lifeguards |
Beach information
Stay safe on the beach
- Wherever possible, swim at a lifeguarded beach. Find your nearest RNLI lifeguarded beach, or the Irish Water Safety website.
- When on a lifeguarded beach, find the red and yellow flags and always swim or bodyboard between them – this area is patrolled by lifeguards.
- Never swim alone.
- If you get into trouble, stick your hand in the air and shout for help.
- If you see someone in difficulty, don't attempt a rescue. Tell a lifeguard, or, if you can't see a lifeguard, call 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard.
- For more advice about having fun and staying safe on the beach, see our beach safety advice.
Download our helpful guides to staying safe at the beach
Beach Safety Top Tips: your guide to a safe and fun time at the seaside (English version) - PDF 2.76MB
Beach Safety Top Tips: your guide to a safe and fun time at the seaside (Welsh version) - PDF 2.79MB
Ready to change lives working as an RNLI lifeguard?
As an RNLI lifeguard you’ll build your work – and life – experience, get good rates of pay and learn lifesaving skills that stay with you wherever your career heads next.
Have you got what it takes?
You can apply whether you live inside or outside the UK - you need to be 16 and of school leaving age, have a National Vocational Beach Lifeguard Qualification (or equivalent) and meet a specific fitness criteria and have a right to work in the UK.
If you’re not qualified yet, don’t worry! Find out how you can get qualified by visiting the requirements and training section.
News and media from Watergate Bay Beach
*The information shown is accurate at the time of publication, but details may change at short notice for various reasons beyond our control. Whilst every effort is made to update key information, its accuracy cannot be guaranteed. This includes the availability of lifeguard services at all locations on the dates or times stated.