RNLI South East Lifeguards watch over thousands of beachgoers during heatwave

Thousands of people headed to the beach over the Bank Holiday weekend and May half term as the heatwave brought the highest temperatures of the year so far. RNLI lifeguards across West Sussex, Hampshire, Thanet, East Dorset, East Sussex and Brighton & Hove responded to a range of incidents, including multiple rescues, lost children and first aid emergencies, and provided preventative measures to help keep people safe.

On Bank Holiday Monday (25 May) in West Sussex and Hampshire, RNLI lifeguards responded to multiple incidents, including the rescue of three children swept into the River Arun. They were safely brought ashore using a rescue board and Inshore Rescue Boat (IRB).

During the Half Term on Wednesday 27 May, lifeguards were assisted by Littlehampton RNLI’s D-class lifeboat to rescue four people caught in strong river currents, followed shortly by the rescue of two teenagers. Littlehampton RNLI’s D-class lifeboat transported the casualties to safety.

Across the week, they also handled 48 incidents involving missing people, reuniting them with their families and delivering extensive face-to-face safety advice and preventative measures.

In Thanet, RNLI lifeguards were kept busy, as they responded to 4 major first aids, 34 minor first aids, 10 water rescues and assists and reunited 45 missing children with their families.

In East Dorset, RNLI lifeguards also worked tirelessly in the extreme heat and heavy crowds, coordinating lifesaving responses and working closely with other emergency services to ensure the best care and outcomes for all incidents.

RNLI lifeguards in East Sussex were also busy and even kept watch as the Hastings Rowing Regatta passed through their patrol area.

RNLI lifeguards in Brighton & Hove carried out numerous preventative actions, delivered first aid and performed rescues while overseeing thousands of beach visitors.

Over the Bank Holiday and May Half term, we’d like to give a huge thank you to all the RNLI lifeguards who helped keep people safe. While the heat still continues, the RNLI is urging anyone visiting the coast to make sure they keep themselves and their families safe by being water smart and following their beach safety advice.  

• Visit a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags.  

• Check the weather forecast, tide times and read local hazard signage to understand local risks.  

• For activities like paddleboarding or kayaking we recommend you wear a wetsuit, buoyancy aid or lifejacket and carry a means of calling for help in a waterproof pouch and keep it on you. Tell someone what you are doing, where you are going and when you expect to return.  

• If you are going open water swimming, use a wetsuit to keep you warm, wear a bright coloured swim hat and take a tow float to store personal items including a phone for emergencies.  

• If you fall into the water unexpectedly, FLOAT TO LIVE. Fight your instinct to thrash around, lean back, extend your arms and legs, and Float.  

• In an emergency dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.  

If you see someone else in trouble in the water, remember Phone, Float, Throw:

• Phone 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard to get help.
• Tell the struggling person to Float to Live.
• Throw them something that floats, such as a life ring.

-Ends-  

Notes to editor:  

To learn more about RNLI lifeguarded beaches visit: RNLI Lifeguards In The UK And Channel Islands 

RNLI Media Contacts

For further information, please contact:

Kate Barkley, RNLI Communications Staff Member for South East, [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.

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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.