Viking Bay Beach

Viking Bay is the main sandy bay in Broadstairs and it has a boardwalk, lift and cliff-top promenade. The picturesque harbour pier has traditional pubs, restaurants, shops and amusements nearby. There are a host of facilities for children to enjoy including rides, surf school with surf ski/belly boards.

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

Call for a new generation of lifeguards to work on Kent’s beaches this summer

14-02-2013

New beach lifeguards are called for in Thanet and the Isle of Sheppey, as the RNLI opens its 2013 recruitment drive this month.
Kent’s new lifeguards help 664 whilst lifeboats launch 349 times in 2012

22-01-2013

As the annual statistics for the RNLI are released today, numbers show that the charity’s new lifeguards in Thanet have proved their worth over the summer, with almost one in ten beach visitors speaking directly with a lifeguard for advice.
RNLI hosting course to train up new beach lifeguards in Thanet community

26-09-2012

As their first season on Thanet beaches draws to a close, the RNLI is running a local lifeguard course to train up potential new lifeguards during the Autumn half term.

See more news for Viking Bay Beach

Beach location

View full map

Downloads

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.

Shouts

About us

The RNLI is an independent charity, funded by voluntary donations. We could not save lives at sea without your support.

Keep me informed

Stay up to date with our latest news, offers and much more delivered straight to your email inbox.

Our channels

Find us on Facebook

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.