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 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

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

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.