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Celebrating 25 years of RNLI lifesaving in the South West
RNLI lifeguards and local communities across the South West are marking Lifeguard Appreciation Day (31 July) by celebrating the people behind the red and yellow flags and recognising the incredible impact they have made over the last 25 years.
Since RNLI lifeguards first began patrolling beaches in 2001, teams across the South West (Cornwall, Devon, Dorset and Somerset) have saved 1,098 lives, aided 167,592 people through rescues, interventions and casualty care, responded to 185,954 incidents, and carried out more than 22 million preventative actions to help keep beachgoers safe.
The charity is marking the national day to shine a spotlight on some of the individuals and stories that demonstrate the skill, commitment and dedication of RNLI lifeguards including Samuel Macpherson, who was rescued by RNLI lifeguards while windsurfing near Bigbury in south Devon earlier this year.
After heading out in light winds, Samuel found himself caught in the mouth of the River Avon which runs between Bantham and Bigbury without enough wind to enable him to return to shore. As he attempted to make his way back by wading along the shoreline, the incoming tide cut off his route.
Fortunately, RNLI lifeguard Will Simmons who was on patrol at Bantham beach spotted Samuel as he entered deeper water and quickly intervened, safely returning him and his equipment to shore.
Samuel said:
‘Having gone windsurfing in very light winds, I found myself in a position where I was unable to return to the beach from the river mouth. I started wading and scrambling back but was cut off by the tide. Thankfully, the RNLI lifeguard rescue watercraft was patrolling and spotted me getting into deeper water and offered to take me and my kit back to shore, which they did very efficiently and safely.’
Lifeguard Appreciation Day is not only an opportunity to celebrate the history of the service but also to recognise the dedication of the people who continue to protect the South West coastline today.
One of those people is Martin 'Mini' Fry, a familiar face on Bude's beaches who has been lifeguarding for more than 40 years. Mini has been with the RNLI lifeguard service since its very first season and was recently awarded a long-service medal recognising more than 20 years of service with the charity.
Reflecting on the evolution of the service, Mini said:
‘I've been with the RNLI lifeguard service here in Bude since day one, and it's incredible to see how far it's come. Back then, things were very different, I even remember getting paid by an envelope dropped over the cliff. Since then, the service has gone from strength to strength.’
Mini recently helped support long-distance kayaker Ian Hayward, who was completing an ambitious 4,000km circumnavigation of the UK coastline. In June, RNLI lifeguards at Summerleaze Beach in Bude assisted Ian as challenging conditions affected his journey.
He added:
‘It's moments like this that really show its value. What Ian is doing is a fantastic effort, a real challenge, and it was a privilege to help him on his way. I even went down to see him off when he resumed his journey, and we wish him all the best for the rest of his trip.’
Ian said:
‘I'm incredibly grateful to the RNLI lifeguards at Bude for their help. The conditions were tough, and having their support made all the difference. I really appreciate their support in getting me to safety so I can continue my journey around the UK.’
Bantham Beach has long been at the heart of lifesaving in South Devon and is home to a strong surf lifesaving community, including Bantham Surf Life Saving Club, which like all surf lifesaving clubs, plays a vital role in developing water safety skills and inspiring future generations of lifesavers.
To commemorate the milestone anniversary, RNLI lifeguard teams across the region are completing unique physical challenges including South Devon RNLI lifeguards who recently completed a demanding 25-hour challenge to mark 25 years of lifeguarding.
A team of four lifeguards ran 2.5km every hour, on the hour, for 25 consecutive hours, covering a total distance of 65km. The challenge tested their endurance and teamwork while raising awareness of the RNLI's lifesaving work.
Rosie Lawrence, RNLI lifeguard and part of the endurance team said
‘As lifeguards, we're incredibly proud to be celebrating 25 years of the RNLI Lifeguard Service. For the team, the challenge was about far more than simply completing an endurance event. It was an opportunity to celebrate 25 years of RNLI lifeguards and recognise the friendships, teamwork and sense of community that makes the South Devon lifeguard team so special.’
The Appreciation Day comes as RNLI lifeguards continue their busiest period of the year, with thousands of people expected to visit the region's coastline throughout the summer.
While dramatic rescues often capture public attention, the vast majority of RNLI lifeguards' work involves preventing incidents before they happen. Advice given on the beach, moving swimmers away from danger, educating water users and encouraging people to swim between the red and yellow flags all play an important role in saving lives.
Peter Dawes, RNLI Lifeguard General Manager, said:
‘Thanks to RNLI lifeguards our beaches are safer places, so we can enjoy our time at the coast and return home safely at the end of the day. Around 95% of a lifeguard’s work is prevention. They keep beachgoers safe by educating them about water safety and spotting the dangers before accidents happen.
‘RNLI lifeguards past and present have kept millions of beach visitors safe over the past 25 years and will continue to do so for years to come. If you are planning a visit to the coast this summer, please remember to visit a lifeguarded beach.’
As the RNLI celebrates 25 years of beach lifeguarding, Lifeguard Appreciation Day provides an opportunity to recognise not only the lives saved, but also the millions of incidents prevented by the dedication and professionalism of RNLI lifeguards across Devon and the wider South West.
Notes to editors:
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Link to footage of Samuel Machperson’s windsurfing rescue: https://source.rnli.org.uk/share/F69EA4DC-576A-46BC-AF779960ED10DD73/
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Link to footage of kayak rescue of Ian Hayward: https://source.rnli.org.uk/share/776EF3AB-D4AD-4B46-B9F6272C14EF8695/
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Links to pictures of RNLI lifeguards across the south west: https://source.rnli.org.uk/share/30D1157C-6E6C-49C1-859AFDF191618DB4/
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*In 2001 RNLI lifeguards started lifeguard patrols on 15 beaches across the south west - Crantock, Fistral, South Fistral, Towan, Great Western, Porth, Mawgan Porth, Tolcarne, Watergate, Tregonhawke, Freathy, Sharrow, Tregantle, Greenhill and Weymouth
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South West RNLI lifeguard statistics since 2001:
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1,098 lives saved
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167,592 people aided through rescues, interventions and casualty care
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185,954 incidents responded to
RNLI Media Contacts
For further information, please contact:
Annabelle Spiers, RNLI Communications Staff Member for RNLI, [email protected]
RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789, [email protected]
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,700 lives.
Learn more about the RNLI
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.
Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.