Donegal hosting European Youth Lifesaving Championships 2026

This upcoming weekend, Donegal will welcome athletes from across Europe to Rossnowlagh Beach

Published 31st Aug 2026, 18:06 BST The opening ceremony will take place at the Donegal Training Campus | Water Safety Ireland This upcoming weekend, Donegal will welcome athletes from across Europe to Rossnowlagh Beach Sign up to our Donegal Live newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know you can manage your profile, and explore all of the available newsletters from Donegal Live within your account.

Donegal is all set to host the European Youth Lifesaving Championships for 2026.

The opening ceremony will take place on Friday, September 4, at the Water Safety Ireland Donegal Training Campus from 6:45 pm to 8:00 pm. The championships will take place on Rossnowlagh Beach on Saturday and Sunday.

Works set to begin on Raphoe Flood Relief Scheme protecting 387 properties Lifesaving pilot project rolled out across six Donegal beaches The Championships will welcome athletes from across Europe to Rossnowlagh Beach. Renowned for its strong connection to swimming, surfing and lifesaving sport, the beach will host both beach and ocean competition events throughout the weekend.

Representing Ireland will be a team of youth athletes from seven counties who will compete against the continent's best while proudly representing their counties, communities and country on home soil.

The event will be largely run with the help and dedication of volunteers both from Water Safety Ireland and visiting international Water Safety organisations.

Jerry Buttimer TD, Minister of State at the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, with special responsibility for Community Development and Charities, and at the Department of Transport with special responsibility for Rural Transport, will attend the Opening Ceremony on Friday 4 September at the Water Safety Ireland - Donegal Training Campus.

International Lifesaving Federation of Europe (ILSE) Secretary General Christoph Freudenhammer and ILSE Sport Commission Member Wim Nuyens will be joining Minister Buttimer at the opening ceremony. Water Safety Ireland’s Chairperson, Clare McGrath, will also be present, acting in her role as an ILSE Board Member.

Competition heats and finals will take place throughout Saturday and Sunday, commencing from 8.45am each day. Medal presentations will take place on both competition days, with the Championships concluding following the final events on Sunday evening.