RNLI lifeguard season comes to an end across most East Dorset beaches

RNLI lifeguards in East Dorset are reflecting on a busy and exceptionally warm season, during which they helped keep hundreds of thousands of beachgoers safe through preventative measures, rescues, delivery of first aid and casualty care. RNLI lifeguards also reunited lost children with their families, delivered water safety sessions in schools and helped save lives at sea.

RNLI lifeguards will finish their service on the majority of East Dorset beaches on Sunday 6 September, before returning next year.

A daily lifeguard service will continue at Sandbanks, Bournemouth West, Bournemouth East and Boscombe East beaches until the 27 September, providing cover during the late summer season.

The RNLI is encouraging beachgoers to choose a lifeguarded beach wherever possible. If you plan to visit the coast outside of the lifeguard season, follow RNLI water safety advice and remember the RNLI’s Float to Live guidance:

If you find yourself in trouble in the water, remember to…

· Tilt your head back with your ears submerged

· Try to relax and control your breathing

· Move your hands and legs to help you stay afloat

· Once you’ve regained control of your breathing, call for help or swim to safety

Ed Stevens, Regional Lifeguard Lead for the South East, said: ‘This summer has been one of the busiest and most demanding seasons in the RNLI Lifeguard Service’s history, with unprecedented periods of hot weather bringing record numbers of people to our beaches. Throughout it all, our lifeguards have shown outstanding professionalism, resilience and commitment, adapting to the challenges of an exceptionally busy season. I’m incredibly proud of our teams and grateful for the dedication, care and expertise they have shown every day, helping millions of people enjoy the coast safely.

‘If you’re planning to visit the coast outside the lifeguard season, we encourage you to follow the RNLI’s water safety advice. Be prepared for any activity you’re planning to do by carrying a means of calling for help and letting someone know where you’re going and when you’ll be back. Always remember the RNLI’s Float to Live guidance and if you get into trouble or see someone in trouble, call 999 and ask for the coastguard.

‘We look forward to welcoming everyone back on the beaches next year.’

Councillor Richard Herrett, Portfolio Holder for Destination, Leisure and Commercial Operations at BCP Council, said: ‘Once again, we’ve welcomed millions of trips to our beaches over the summer, during one of the busiest and warmest seasons we’ve seen in recent years.

‘I’d like to thank the RNLI lifeguards for their dedication throughout the season, helping residents and visitors enjoy our beaches with confidence.

‘Their work is an important part of the wider effort that goes into managing our seafront during the busy summer months, and we’re proud to continue working alongside them to support a safe, welcoming and enjoyable beach experience for everyone.’

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.

During the off-season, RNLI lifeboat stations remain a 24-hour search and rescue service operation from 238 stations around the UK and Ireland.

-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 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.

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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.