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Margate Main Beach at Margate in Kent is an RNLI lifeguarded beach.

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.

Lifeguard patrol dates 2025*

Daily 24 May - 7 September
Weekends only 13 September - 28 September
Patrol times 10am-6pm
Please remember - No Flags = No Lifeguards

Today's weather

22°C Rain
Min: 18°C Max: 22°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 Margate Main Beach

Computer image of Margate RNLI's new lifeboat station (RNLI)
Article People
RNLI reveals brand new plan for Margate lifeboat station
Read more
An RNLI lifeguard keeping watch over the beach
Article Lifeguards
RNLI lifeguards return to Thanet beaches ahead of May Half Term
Read more
A face-to-face fundraiser talking to a member of the public
Article People
New year, new job? RNLI opens applications for fundraising roles in Kent
Read more
Margate RNLI lifeboat station (RNLI Margate)
Article Sea safety
Margate RNLI to host the annual Margate Community Blue Light Day
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