Margate Main Beach

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.

Download our helpful guides to staying safe at the beach

Beach Safety Top Tips: your guide to a safe and fun time at the seaside (English version) - PDF 2.76MB

Beach Safety Top Tips: your guide to a safe and fun time at the seaside (Welsh version) - PDF 2.79MB

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.