Swimming should not be encouraged at Strandhill, Co Sligo, but the resort can be used by trained surfers, according to a report prepared by the National Safety Council for the Department of the Environment.
The report was commissioned after three teenagers, all non-swimmers, from Gurteen and Keash, Co Sligo, were drowned at the beach on May 17th, 1998.
A spokeswoman for the council said the report reinforced the unsuitability of the beach for swimming and did not recommend the appointment of lifeguards.
The lifeguard service in Strandhill was withdrawn in 1995 after the beach had been judged too dangerous for bathing by the National Safety Council.
Sligo County Council took the view that if the lifeguard service were continued, people would believe that the beach was safe for bathing. It was also stated that insurers could not provide cover for lifeguards in the area.