Margate Main Beach

A long, golden, sandy beach with a promenade and tidal pool, known as the first family seaside resort in the country. The long stretch of boardwalk gives easy access to all visitors, and Margate Pier and Turner Contemporary are just a couple of minutes' walk away.

Although the roll out of lifeguard patrols has been affected by the coronavirus, the patrol dates below are correct. The end dates will be regularly reviewed.

Daily 20 June – 6 September 2020

Patrol times 10am-6pm

Today's weather

17°C Rain

Min: 14°C Max: 17°C

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Visit our patrolled beach list to see where our lifeguard service is operating now.

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Beach information

Stay safe on the beach

Wherever possible, swim at a lifeguarded beach. Find your nearest RNLI lifeguarded beach or search on goodbeachguide.co.uk or the I rish Water Safety website.
Always read and obey the safety signs, usually found at the entrance to the beach. These will help you avoid potential hazards on the beach and identify the safest areas for swimming.
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.

Download our helpful guides to staying safe at the beach

On the beach: your guide to a safe and fun time at the seaside (English version) - PDF 4.15MB

On the beach: your guide to a safe and fun time at the seaside (Welsh version) - PDF 4.23MB

In the surf: your guide to surfsport safety (English version) - PDF 2.31MB

In the surf: your guide to surfsport safety (Welsh version) - PDF 2.94MB

Working as an RNLI lifeguard is one of the best summer jobs out there

Join the team and we’ll get you kitted, trained and paid for a summer to remember. 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 here what our lifeguard training is like, and join the #BestSummerJob conversation on social media.

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

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