RNLI lifeguards on duty this summer

We may be biased but, as far as we’re concerned, the beach is the best place to be once the weather warms up. However, beachgoers often get caught out by hidden dangers. Last year, RNLI lifeguards saved 85 lives and helped more than 17,000 people.

So as our lifeguards prepare to answer the call for help, brush up on your beach safety knowledge to support our lifesavers in their mission to save every one. Plus, find out when lifeguards will be on duty this year, and how they’ll help keep you and your loved ones safe at the beach. 

When are lifeguards on duty this summer?

RNLI lifeguard season always begins with a phased approach. Lifeguards will go on service across the first set of beaches around the Easter holidays. The number of beaches with lifeguards on duty will increase through the season until the peak school summer holidays, when over 240 beaches will be watched by our world-class lifeguards.

Where are the beaches with lifeguards near me?

This year, RNLI lifeguards will patrol over 240 beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. Whether you’re visiting a beach on holiday or somewhere local to you, visiting a beach where lifeguards are on duty is the best way to keep you and your loved ones safe.

Getting ready for lifeguard season

When do preparations for lifeguard season begin?

RNLI lifeguards could be asked to do any number of things – from finding lost children and giving first aid, to offering local safety advice and rescuing people caught in rip currents. So preparations for lifeguard season begin early. For the RNLI’s Lifeguard Team, preparations start in January when lead supervisors begin to put their careful planning and tough training into action. 

What training is involved?

Every year, RNLI lifeguards old and new take part in a 2-week induction. For the experienced lifeguards, it’s a chance to refamiliarise themselves with what they’ve learned before. For newcomers, it’s a chance to get prepared for the season ahead. There’s first aid competency training, fitness tests, and a health and safety assessment. And for some RNLI lifeguards, they need to qualify to operate the inshore rescue boats (IRBs) and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs). 

Behind the scenes, lifeguard units and kit are being prepared too. Beach huts are made ready for the incoming team. First aid kits, rescue equipment and spares are organised. And a lot of sunscreen is ordered!

Staying safe at the beach

As RNLI lifeguards get ready for the new season, here are seven top tips to ensure you and your loved ones know how to keep safe at the beach.

1. Choose a lifeguarded beach

With over 240 RNLI lifeguarded beaches around the UK and Channel Islands, it’s easy to find a lifeguarded beach near you or your holiday destination. You’ll have the protection of highly trained lifesavers who can see the dangers develop, prevent accidents before they happen and respond instantly if anyone gets into difficulty.

Our friendly lifeguards will also share safety advice to help keep you and your loved ones safe as you enjoy the beach. Go and say hello when you arrive and ask them about any local hazards. Find out more about how lifeguards keep beaches safe.

2. Have a plan and keep an eye out

It’s important that you know the risks and what you can do to minimise them. From rip currents to tides, cold water shock to waves, being aware of the dangers will help you to stay safe.

Check you know how to stay safe in the sea. And before going into the water, ask yourself if the conditions exceed your ability.

Go with others – and look out for each other. While you’re at the beach, keep an eye on your loved ones at all times and avoid taking risks in the sea.

3. In an emergency, call 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard

When you go to the beach, make sure you know how to call for help at sea. You should always carry a means of calling for help. If you’re going in the water, you can carry your mobile phone in a waterproof pouch. That way, if you find yourself or spot someone else in an emergency situation, you can get help.

Call 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard – they’re ready to get help where it’s needed in an emergency.

4. Float to Live

If you fall into the water unexpectedly, Float to Live. Relax and try to breathe normally. Tilt your head back and submerge your ears. Use your hands to help you stay afloat. Once your breathing is under control, call for help or swim to safety.

Don’t forget to share this skill with your loved ones. It could save their life – just like it saved Tina’s. When Tina got caught in a rip current while paddleboarding, she remembered the RNLI’s Float to Live advice. And because of this, RNLI Lifeguard Tarryn Brown was able to save her. Watch the video below to find out more about Tina’s story.

5. Swim between the flags

At lifeguarded beaches, look out for the red-and-yellow flags – they show you where it’s safe to swim. Keep between these flags if you’re bodyboarding too.

The sea can be dangerously unpredictable. And even on a calm, sunny day, conditions can change quickly. Lifeguards adjust the flags throughout the day, monitoring conditions through a combination of local knowledge, patrolling, and training knowledge.

If you’re in the water with a surfboard, stand-up paddleboard or other non-powered craft, go between the black and white chequered flag. Do not swim there.

Stay out of the water if the red flag is flying – it means the water is dangerous.

6. Don’t use inflatables

While inflatables can be great fun when used safely, they’re not designed for the beach and make you susceptible to being swept out to sea. Every summer, inflatables are one of the most common reasons our lifeboat crews and lifeguards are called to action. Keep them to the swimming pool.

7. Protect yourself from the sun

Being safe at the beach isn’t all about water safety. The sun can be just as dangerous. RNLI lifeguards are on hand for first aid, but you can take steps to ensure you won’t need their help. 

• Put on plenty of sunscreen. Top it up throughout the day and when you get out of the water.
• Find some shade. Your body will need a break from the sun. Covering yourself up with a hat and clothes will help protect your skin. But to really cool off, find a spot in some shade. Or bust out a windbreaker or an old tent to create your own shade.
• Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Keeping hydrated will help prevent a number of issues that can turn your fun in the sun into a damp squib.

Whether you’re heading for the waves or venturing out on a seaside walk, you’ll find more useful tips on our beach safety page.

Will you help us keep the coasts safe?

Your support is vital to our lifeguards. Summer is our busiest season and our lifesavers can only do what they do best because of the equipment, training and operational support that kind donations like yours will provide.