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Joss Bay Beach

Joss Bay Beach

Joss Bay is the best surfing beach in Thanet – a must for keen surfers and those who wish to learn. This popular 200m-long bay is linked to the notorious smuggler Joss Snelling who was named after it. Surrounded by fields and a golf course, it offers a wide expanse of sand for carefree play.

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To find RNLI lifeguarded beaches while you’re out and about, download our free Beach Finder app. The app features live weather, safety advice and some cool fun stuff too!
 

 

Lifeguard season dates

Weekends
2 June –14 July

Daily
14 July–2 September ​

Latest news from this beach

See more news for Joss Bay Beach

Beach location

Map of location View full map

Forecasts for Joss Bay Beach

  • Wherever possible, swim at a lifeguarded beach. Go to goodbeachguide.co.uk to search for listings throughout the UK, or find a lifeguarded beach in the Republic of Ireland on the Irish Water Safety website.

  • Always read and obey the safety signs, usually found at the entrance to the beach. These will help you avoid potential hazards on the beach and identify the safest areas for swimming.

  • When on a lifeguarded beach, find the red and yellow flags and always swim or bodyboard between them – this area is patrolled by lifeguards.

  • Never swim alone.

  • If you get into trouble, stick your hand in the air and shout for help.

  • If you see someone in difficulty, don't attempt a rescue. Tell a lifeguard, or, if you can't see a lifeguard, call 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard.

  • If you are hiring equipment for a surfsport, try to do so from a member of the Surf Hire Safety Scheme. Scheme members check equipment regularly for damage, rent out equipment suitable to your ability and offer safety advice for the local area. Read more or find an outlet.

Lifeguard giving advice. Photo: Julian Calverley

In many ways, it's a dream job – spending your working hours on the beach, with the possibility of being a lifesaver.

But there's a lot more to being an RNLI lifeguard than fun on the sand. You must hold and maintain a valid surf lifesaving qualification, pass regular fitness and competency tests through our lifeguard training, and be willing and able to take on the responsibility of keeping hundreds, perhaps thousands, of beachgoers safe.

Have you got what it takes?
If you're a qualified lifeguard and want to put your lifesaving skills to good use, check our recruitment site for seasonal and volunteering opportunities.

 

 

  • Library picture of an RNLI lifeguard windbreak

    Library picture of an RNLI lifeguard windbreak

  • Library picture of an RNLI lifeguard in the surf

    Library picture of an RNLI lifeguard in the surf

  • Kent’s new lifeguards help 664 whilst lifeboats launch 34 times in 2012

    RNLI lifeguards, supervisors and manager at Broadstairs in September 2012

  • Walmer RNLI Inshore Lifeboat involved in three rescues on one launch

    A grateful windsurfer, one of 3 rescues in 1 launch by Walmer, August 2012

  • Small craft owners urged to check their charts are updated after cruiser runs aground off Margate

    A cruiser is towed by Margate RNLI after running aground, May 2012

  • Dover RNLI carrying Olympic torch

    Torch_TimAsh

  • Kent’s new lifeguards help 664 whilst lifeboats launch 34 times in 2012

    The stricken yacht Liquid Vortex in January 2012

  • Kent’s new lifeguards help 664 whilst lifeboats launch 34 times in 2012

    RNLI lifeguards, supervisors and manager at Broadstairs in September 2012

  • Boost for new Thanet lifeguards awarded ambulance co-responder status

    Left to right: Tomas Thorndycraft, Luke Quy-Verlander, Sophie Morgan and Rob Sheard

  • Boost for new Thanet lifeguards awarded ambulance co-responder status

    Left to right: Tomas Thorndycraft, Luke Quy-Verlander, Rob Sheard and Sophie Morgan

  • Boost for new Thanet lifeguards awarded ambulance co-responder status

    Lifeguard Supervisor Rob Sheard and lifeguard Sophie Morgan with first aid kit: exercise at Ramsgate

  • RNLI lifeguards in Thanet providing daily patrols for the first time this summer

    RNLI Lifeguards and Ramsgate inshore lifeboat crew at the launch of the Thanelifeguarding

Out on a shout

Our lifeboat crews launch 24 times a day on average. Find out which station has launched near you around the UK and Republic of Ireland. View shouts.

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