Life's a beach this summer - so let's make the most it

The recent spell of good weather has seen us flocking to Dublin's sandy shores in our droves.

For a capital city, we are pretty spoiled when it comes to quality beaches on our doorstep. Northside gems include Skerries, Loughshinny, Rush (North and South), Donabate, Portmarnock, Sutton and Dollymount, while south Dublin boasts the likes of Sandymount, Seapoint, Killiney and Sandycove.

If only we had the climate, our beaches would be thronged for most of the summer months, like they were at the end of June. For the rest of the year, they are usually the preserve of dog walkers, kite surfers and keep fit enthusiasts.

•Portmarnock's Velvet Strand pictured in 1994. PHOTO BY DARREN KINSELLA

Nevertheless, we are blessed to have access to such a variety of coastal havens so close to a major European city like Dublin.

I am lucky enough to live within five minutes' walk of a fantastic beach, which I visit on a daily basis with my four-legged companion. For most of the year I am among a handful of users of this wonderful amenity and it was heartening to see it packed with locals and tourists during the recent 'heatwave'.

I must pay tribute to my local authority for implementing such an efficient early morning beach cleaning programme, which made the experience all the more pleasurable for swimmers and picnickers alike. As usual, unfortunately, some inconsiderate idiots left a trail of litter in their wake. Seriously, how hard can it be to bring your rubbish home with you?

In the case of my local beach, there is a serious shortage of bins. While this is not entirely a justification for irresponsible littering, it is an area that councils need to improve on. The problem with dog dirt in public places could also be eased if the facilities were in place to encourage responsible behaviour by pet owners.

It would also be nice, incidentally, if more public showers were installed on our beaches (particularly the ones without Blue Flags!)

Anti-social behaviour at our beaches can also ruin a perfectly good day out for families. While there were reports of near-riots in Howth at the beginning of the bathing season, I was happy to note a strong Garda presence at nearby Portmarnock on one of the hottest days of the recent warm spell.

There have been other improvements, too. Many beaches (including my local one) have been closed off to cars in recent years on safety grounds. Once a magnet for brainless boy racers, our sandy shores have been rid of this menace once and for all.

Parents also need to be mindful of safety when their children take to the water. An inviting sea can be an unpredictable, dangerous beast and rip currents or rising tides need to be taken into account. Despite the presence of lifeguards, remember that they are not babysitters and it is primarily the job of parents to ensure their child's safety in the water. Cheap floating devices or toy store dinghies should also be discouraged at all times.

We can only hope that the best of the summer is not behind us so we can continue to enjoy Dublin's enviable selection of seaside hot spots.