5&6 Sept 2026

Ocean

5th & 6th September 2026

Rossnowlagh, Donegal, Ireland.

Location & Venue

ROSSNOWLAGH BEACH

Rossnowlagh, derived from Ros Neamhlach (“heavenly cove”), is a historic coastal village in Donegal, Ireland, renowned for its two-mile sandy beach and as a hub for surfing & Lifesaving.
 
Rossnowlagh Beach lies on Donegal Bay along Ireland’s Atlantic coast and features around 4 km of golden sand, perfect for surf and beach racing layouts. The area provides plenty of space for competition setups, promenade access, beach access by car/foot, parking, changing facilities, and nearby amenities.
 
The beach offers a wide competition area suitable for beach events and back-of-beach operations. The Atlantic surf creates consistent beach-break conditions, ideal for lifesaving competitions. Water temperatures in early September generally range from 14–16°C, providing comfortable conditions for athletes.

Official Opening ceremony - Donegal Training Campus

The Water Safety Ireland Donegal Training Campus is Ireland’s premier national centre for lifeguard and lifesaving sport excellence. Officially opened 24th July 2025, the campus provides facilities designed to support every stage of lifesaving development, from lifeguard training and certification to advanced tutoring courses and professional revalidation.
 
Purpose-built for high-performance learning, the campus offers a dynamic environment for hands-on training, skill development, and instructor-led courses. Lifeguards of all levels can complete essential training programs, refresh their skills, and achieve professional revalidation, while tutors and instructors benefit from specialised courses designed to enhance teaching, coaching, and leadership in lifesaving. With cutting-edge resources, modern classrooms, and safe aquatic facilities, the campus ensures a professional and engaging learning experience for all.
As a national hub for lifesaving sport, the Donegal Training Campus brings together athletes, coaches, tutors, and officials from across Ireland. It serves as the focal point for national squad preparation, competitive events, collaborative training, and knowledge-sharing, fostering excellence, community, and innovation across the lifesaving sector.
The campus will also host the official Opening Ceremony of the European Youth Lifesaving Championships on Friday, 4th September, with free registration for participants and guests. This milestone event celebrates the launch of a new era in lifesaving training and sport in Ireland.

Mullaghmore Beach – Alternative Event Venue

Mullaghmore Beach is a stunning, sheltered coastline renowned for its natural beauty and calm waters. Positioned as our backup venue, it offers a safe and protected environment for events, making it the ideal location should weather conditions necessitate a relocation. The beach features wide stretches of golden sand, gentle tides, and a picturesque backdrop of cliffs and rolling hills, ensuring both participants and spectators enjoy a comfortable and scenic setting. Its sheltered nature provides excellent conditions for water-based activities, giving peace of mind that events can continue safely even when the weather turns unpredictable.

Registration

ENTRY GUIDE
The official EYLC26 Handbook is essential reading for all Team Managers and Coaches. The Handbook explains how to enter athletes and teams, manage entries, and meet all eligibility and documentation requirements.

The guide covers:

  • Key dates and deadlines
  • Age divisions and event categories
  • National team and interclub entries
  • Entry fees and refund conditions
  • Required document uploads

Reviewing the guide before beginning the entry process will help avoid errors and ensure your team’s entries are completed correctly and on time. 

REGISTER HERE

All entries for EYLC26 must be submitted to eylc2026@watersafety.ie using the official registration file and completed by an appointed Team Manager or Official from the respective nation’s Lifesaving Sport Commission/Federation.

Invoices will be issued following receipt of the registration by the Lifesaving Administrator at eylc2026@watersafety.ie, with the date of receipt determining the applicable entry fee amount.

SUBMIT DOCUMENTS
Once registration is submitted, a confirmation email will be issued with instructions for uploading mandatory documents.

ENTRY FEES
Registration Deadline
Individual Entry Fee
On or before 15 June 2026
€110
16 June – 15 July 2026
€150
16 July – 30 July 2026
€200
Additional ILSE Participant Fee: €10 per competitor.
 
Important Information
  • Entry fees will be applied based on the official date the registration is received at:
    📧 eylc2026@watersafety.ie
  • Entries submitted after the applicable deadline will automatically be charged at the next entry rate.
  • All fees are quoted in Euro (€).
 
Eligibility
Eligible competitors must turn 15, 16, 17, or 18 years of age on or before 31 December 2026
(Date of Birth: 2008, 2009, 2010, or 2011).
Please click the Registration File to complete your entry, select any additional extras, and book special-rate hotel accommodation.
 

Advisement
Please be advised, wetsuits will be permitted as per the ILSE rulebook. 

Accommodation & Transport

The Great Northern Hotel

CANCELLATIONS POLICY
All cancellations must be submitted in writing to eylc2026@watersafety.ie. Verbal cancellations will not be accepted or deemed valid.
 
Cancellations between 1st July 2026 and 6th August 2026:
Cancellations received during this period will incur a 50% charge of the total cost of the cancelled reservation.
 
Cancellations after 6th August 2026:
Cancellations received after this date will be charged at 100% of the total cost of the cancelled reservation.

RESERVATIONS

Great Northern Hotel, Bundoran (Special Rates Available)
  • Special offer available (limited rooms – early booking advised)
  • Preferred rates secured for all Nations/Teams by Water Safety Ireland
  • Includes breakfast
  • Rates: Per room, per night (€)
  • Dates available: 3rd – 7th September
 
Booking Instructions
All reservations for the Great Northern Hotel must be made directly via the registration form then sent to:
📧 Ruby – eylc2026@watersafety.ie
All general accommodation enquiries should also be directed to:
📧 Ruby – eylc2026@watersafety.ie
 
 
Alternative Accommodation (No Special Rates)
If the Great Northern Hotel is unavailable, the following options can be booked independently:
  • The Allingham Hotel, Bundoran, Donegal
  • Dorian’s Hotel, Ballyshannon, Donegal
  • Sandhouse Hotel, Rossnowlagh, Donegal
  • The Abbey Hotel, Donegal Town, Donegal
 
Important Notes
  • Rooms are limited at the Great Northern Hotel
  • Early registration is strongly recommended
  • Alternative accommodation does not include negotiated rates
 
TRANSPORT
Transport logistics will be confirmed at a later date.
The Lifesaving Administrator will contact participating Nations directly with details and offers relating to daily transfer services to and from the beach venue.

Programme

Friday
TimeEventLocation
11:00 – 16:00Training / Accreditation / Team Registration / ScrutineeringRossnowlagh Beach –  Competition Venue 
16:00Registration OpenWater Safety Ireland – Donegal Training centre
16:30Safety BriefingWater Safety Ireland – Donegal Training centre
17:15Officials MeetingWater Safety Ireland – Donegal Training centre
18:00Team Managers MeetingWater Safety Ireland – Donegal Training centre
18:45Opening Ceremony & Light RefreshmentsWater Safety Ireland – Donegal Training centre
20:00Event EndsWater Safety Ireland – Donegal Training centre
Saturday
TimeEventLocation
08:00RegistrationRossnowlagh Beach – Tent Area
08:00Officials & Safety Meeting (If required)Rossnowlagh Beach – Tent Area
08:30Team Managers Meeting (If required)Rossnowlagh Beach – Tent Area
08:45Heats, Semi Final & Finals AM SessionRossnowlagh Beach – Competition Venue
12:00LunchRossnowlagh Beach – Tent Area
13:30MarshallingRossnowlagh Beach – Competition Venue
14:15Finals PM SessionRossnowlagh Beach – Competition Venue
17:30Medal PresentationRossnowlagh Beach – Tent Area
Sunday
TimeEventLocation
08:00RegistrationRossnowlagh Beach – Tent Area
08:00Officials & Safety Meeting (If required)Rossnowlagh Beach – Tent Area
08:30Team Managers Meeting (If required)Rossnowlagh Beach – Tent Area
08:45Morning Finals SessionRossnowlagh Beach – Competition Venue
11:30LunchRossnowlagh Beach – Tent Area
13:30MarshallingRossnowlagh Beach – Competition Venue
14:15Finals SessionRossnowlagh Beach – Competition Venue
17:30Medal PresentationRossnowlagh Beach – Tent Area
18:30Closing CeremonyWater Safety Ireland – Donegal Training Centre
19:00Meal & BandWater Safety Ireland – Donegal Training Centre
22:00Event EndsWater Safety Ireland – Donegal Training Centre

Heats & Finals

Saturday
AM Boys & Girls
Heats Session Sprint Heats
Semi Final Session Sprint Semi Final

BREAK
Finals Session Sprint Final

Sprint Relay Final
PM Boys & Girls
Finals Session   Tube Rescue Heats
 Board Final
 Swim Final
 Mixed Ocean Relay
Sunday
AMBoys & Girls
Finals Session          Ski Final
 Ocean M Individual Final
 Board Rescue Final
PM Boys & Girls
Finals SessionBeach Flags Final
 

Ocean M Relay Final

Google Maps Links

Times are Subject to Change

media

EYLC 2026