INFOGRAPHIC: Most sea rescues carried out in Kerry

More than 830 people were rescued from drowning by lifeguards at bathing sites around the Irish coast last year, with almost half of all such incidents taking place in Kerry.

Irish Water Safety has also reported that lifeguards were involved in preventing more than 18,500 accidents during 2014.

The IWS — the State body that is responsible for the promotion of water safety — recorded a total of 114 drownings last year. It represents a decrease of nine deaths on the previous year when 123 individuals drowned.