Safety

A score is not a safety rating. It's an estimate of how pleasant conditions are likely to be, calculated automatically from forecasts. It can be wrong, and it can't see rip currents, cold shock, jellyfish or pollution.

Before you go in

Look at the sea yourself: conditions on the day can be very different from the forecast.
Swim at lifeguarded beaches when you can, and always follow lifeguards, flags and local signs.
Check water quality alerts on beaches.ie (Ireland) or the DAERA dashboard (Northern Ireland), especially after heavy rain.
Never swim alone, and tell someone where you're going.
Cold water is dangerous even for strong swimmers: get in slowly, stay close to shore and get out before you feel cold.
Tides here come from a global model and can be off by up to an hour: check local tide tables.

Emergencies

If someone is in trouble in the water or on the coast, call 112 or 999 and ask for the Coast Guard (HM Coastguard in Northern Ireland). The numbers are the same on both sides of the border.

About the data

Forecasts come from Open-Meteo, water quality from the Irish EPA and, in Northern Ireland, from DAERA. Beach orientation, shelter and some facilities are our own estimates and may be wrong. If something looks off, please tell us with the feedback form.