Bournemouth East Beach in Dorset is an RNLI lifeguarded beach.

Bournemouth East Beach (East Cliff)

Also known as East Cliff Beach, this popular beach stretches for 1.5 miles just east of Bournemouth Pier to Boscombe Pier. It's a busy beach with many bars, restaurants, amusements, shops and access points. The KidZone safety scheme operates here too.

Lifeguard patrol times 2023

Daily 01 April-24 September
Patrol times 10am-6pm

Today's weather

19°C Rain
Min: 15°C Max: 19°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?

Join the team and you’ll be trained, respected and well paid. You will boost your fitness and train with like-minded people, earn a decent hourly rate from the start, and learn valuable skills that will stay with you for life. 

All of this and you’ll be on the beach helping to save lives every day.  

Have you got what it takes?

If you’re fit, aged 16+ and can swim 400m, why not give it a go? Help with qualification training might be available if you’re new to beach lifeguarding.

So whether you’re qualified or just getting started, visit our recruitment site for info and vacancies, find out more about lifeguard training.

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

Donate now

News and media from Bournemouth East Beach (East Cliff)

Mudeford RNLI Atlantic 85 lifeboat and crew with multiple vessels on the water at Bournemouth Air Festival
Article Rescue
Multiple call outs for Mudeford RNLI at Bournemouth Air Festival
Read more
Lifeguards rescue watercraft (RWC) or jet ski training in surf at Bournemouth Pier
Article Beach safety
End of the busy summer season for RNLI lifeguards in East Dorset
Read more
RNLI lifeguard patrolling the beach at Sandbanks in Poole
Article Beach safety
RNLI lifeguards return to East Dorset beaches for half-term
Read more