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Portrush West Bay Beach

Portrush beach

Walking on this beach is popular all year round. Enjoy views of the bustling harbour and the comings and goings of small boats. Blackrocks, at the western end of the beach, is a popular surfing spot. West Bay is backed by a large car park and is a popular beach with both locals and tourists.

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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

Daily
23 June–2 September

Latest news from this beach

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Beach location

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Forecasts for Portrush West 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.

 

 

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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Fund Raising Standards Board Logo The Royal National Lifeboat Institution is a charity registered in England and Wales (209603) and Scotland (SC037736). Charity number CHY 2678 in the Republic of Ireland | RNLI (Trading) Ltd - 01073377, RNLI (Sales) Ltd - 2202240, RNLI (Enterprises) Ltd - 1784500 and RNLI College Ltd - 7705470 are all companies registered at West Quay Road, Poole BH15 1HZ. Images & copyright © RNLI 2012.