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Benone Strand Beach in County Londonderry is an RNLI lifeguarded beach.

Benone Strand Beach

Backed by magnificent sand dunes, the golden sands at Benone Strand stretch for 7 miles and offer stunning views across to Donegal. There are designated areas of the beach for car parking and for launching personal watercraft.

Lifeguard patrol dates 2026*

Easter School Holidays 3 April - 12 April
Weekends and Bank Holidays Only 18 April - 21 June
Daily 27 June - 31 August
Weekends Only 5 September - 27 September
Patrol times 10am - 6pm
Please remember - No Flags = No Lifeguards

Today's weather

14°C Rain
Min: 10°C Max: 14°C
Get a 5-day forecast

Beach information

Stay safe on the beach

  • Wherever possible, swim at a lifeguarded beach. Find your nearest RNLI lifeguarded beach, or the Irish Water Safety website.
  • 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.
  • For more advice about having fun and staying safe on the beach, see our beach safety advice.

Ready to change lives working as an RNLI lifeguard?

As an RNLI lifeguard you’ll build your work – and life – experience, get good rates of pay and learn lifesaving skills that stay with you wherever your career heads next.

Have you got what it takes?

You can apply whether you live inside or outside the UK - you need to be 16 and of school leaving age, have a National Vocational Beach Lifeguard Qualification (or equivalent) and meet a specific fitness criteria and have a right to work in the UK.

If you’re not qualified yet, don’t worry! Find out how you can get qualified by visiting the requirements and training section.

Become an RNLI beach lifeguard.

You can help save lives and make our waters safer for everyone.

Donate now

News and media from Benone Strand Beach

RNLI lifeguards pictured on the beach
Article People
RNLI Lifeguards to return to North Coast over Easter break
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Michael Jess, RNLI Lifeguard Supervisor pictured on a RNLI lifeguarded beach
Article Beach safety
North Coast based lifeguard supervisor narrates new RNLI podcast
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RNLI Lifeguard Supervisor on a jetski out at sea.
Article Lifeguards
End of the busy summer season for RNLI lifeguards in Northern Ireland
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RNLI Lifeguards Catriona, Evan and Adam standing by the hut
Article Lifeguards
Back-to-back mass rescues for RNLI lifeguards in County Down
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*The information shown is accurate at the time of publication, but details may change at short notice for various reasons beyond our control. Whilst every effort is made to update key information, its accuracy cannot be guaranteed. This includes the availability of lifeguard services at all locations on the dates or times stated.

Please remember - No Flags = No Lifeguards