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RNLI Beach Lifeguards

Every summer, RNLI lifeguards patrol beaches across the UK and Channel Islands helping to keep you and your family safe. Highly trained and skilled, our lifeguards work hard to ensure every one can stay safe and have fun at the coast.

RNLI lifeguards have been making beaches safer since 2001

333,321 Incidents responded to

2,199 Lives saved

448,640 People aided

48,886,718 preventative actions

An RNLI lifeguard wearing a red and black wetsuit runs towards the surf line carrying a bright yellow lifeguards rescue board. Behind her, another lifeguard is also running into the surf.

Become an RNLI lifeguard

The RNLI is looking for people like you to help make beaches safer. Find out what requirements you need to meet to qualify, what life is like as an RNLI beach lifeguard, and what the many benefits are of joining the team saving lives on the beach.

A pair of RNLI lifeguards in yellow polos and red shorts walk across the beach on patrol.

About RNLI lifeguards

While you have fun in the sea and the surf, RNLI lifeguards are keeping watch over you. Find out more about the team on the beach working to keep you safe at the seaside.

A female RNLI lifeguard wearing a red lifeguard jacket and red shorts stands with her back to the camera watching the water. Tucked underneath her arms is an RNLI rescue float.

Support RNLI lifeguards

Find out how you can get RNLI lifeguards to patrol your beach, or explore some of the sponsorship opportunities available to help fund their lifesaving work.

Learn more about lifeguarding

RNLI Lifeguard Richard Evans reaching out to rescue someone on his rescue board
Lifeguard training
Able to swim 200m in under 3½ minutes, run 200m on sand in under 40 seconds and trained in lifesaving and casualty care,  our lifeguards are always ready to help those in trouble
Find out what it takes
lifeguard on the lookout at the beach
How we keep beaches safe
From beach safety and prevention to rescuing those in trouble, find out how RNLI lifeguards keep beaches around the UK safe. 
Keeping you safe at the coast
RNLI lifeguards in North Norfolk walk along the beach
Meet our lifeguards
Meet our lifesaving lifeguards and hear more about what it takes to be a lifeguard, what the job involves and rescues they’ve been involved in
Find out more
Lifeguard using binoculars
Find your nearest lifeguarded beach
RNLI lifeguards patrol selected beaches in England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Jersey. Stay safe - choose a lifeguarded beach.
Find your nearest