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Botany Bay Beach at Broadstairs in Kent is an RNLI lifeguarded beach.

Botany Bay Beach

Thanet’s best-kept secret, Botany Bay is a secluded bay with breathtaking chalk features. The sandy beach is great for families with plenty for children to explore. It's said the beach got its name from when smugglers were deported to Botany Bay in Australia.

Lifeguard patrol times 2024*

Daily 24 May - 7 September
Patrol times 10am - 6pm
Please remember - No Flags = No Lifeguards

Today's weather

6°C Rain
Min: 5°C Max: 6°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 Botany Bay Beach

Margate's two RNLI lifeboats (RNLI Margate)
Article People
Bank holiday weekend and five calls for Margate lifeboat volunteers
Read more
Margate RNLI's B class and D class lifeboats (RNLI Margate)
Article Sea safety
Two jet-skiers rescued by Margate’s RNLI lifeboats in blustery conditions
Read more
RNLI Lifeguard patrolling on the beach
Article Beach safety
RNLI lifeguards return to Kent beaches for half-term
Read more
RNLI Lifeboats logo on grey background
Article Beach safety
A busy start to Spring for the volunteer crew of Ramsgate RNLI
Read more

*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