Clare's Water Safety Officer urges the public to stay safe as they enjoy the county's waterways this weekend.

The county's beaches are expected to be busier than normal for the next few months as the summer season comes into effect.

Advice has been issued to check all swimming gear to make sure it's in working order before using it on the water and to swim safely in bodies of water that have a lifeguard present.

Clare Water Safety Officer Claire McGrath says the safest place to swim is between the marked areas under lifeguard supervision.