RNLI lifeguards to finish service at Bexhill beach for the season this weekend

RNLI lifeguards in East Sussex 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 saved lives at sea.

RNLI lifeguards will finish their service on Bexhill beach in East Sussex on Sunday 6 September, before returning next year.

The RNLI lifeguard service will continue at St Leonards, Hastings Pier, Hastings Pelham, Camber West and Camber Central beaches until the 27 September. Daily lifeguard patrols will remain in place until the 12 September, before moving to weekend-only cover through to 27 September.

The RNLI is encouraging beachgoers to choose lifeguarded beaches wherever possible. If you plan to visit the coast outside of the lifeguard season, follow 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

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.

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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.