RNLI beach lifeguards return to Littlehampton this bank holiday weekend

Patrols will operate from 10am to 6pm at weekends only, from the lifeguard station next to the River Arun, until May 23.

At this point the service will resume seven days a week throughout the summer and will be extended extend further east along the beach.

Gareth Lathwood, RNLI Lifeguard Supervisor, said: ‘We can’t wait to get back to patrolling Littlehampton beach. We’ve spent the past weeks and months preparing for the new season, getting equipment ready, welcoming back returning lifeguards and training new recruits.

‘We’ll have lifeguard patrols just at weekends to begin with because the beach is very quiet on weekdays at this time of year. But that always changes towards the end of May when we’ll resume a seven-day-a-week service.’

Gareth added: ‘Littlehampton is a beautiful beach and one that can be enjoyed safely by all. But as with any stretch of coast, there are dangers to be aware of including the fast flowing currents around the mouth of River Arun. Stay safe by swimming between the red and yellow flags.

RNLI lifeguards are highly trained to rescue people in and out of the water and are equipped with vital lifesaving kit such as rescue boards and first aid responder bags, which will allow them to treat a variety of injuries ranging from weaver fish stings, to broken legs and even cardiac arrest.

If you see someone in danger when the lifeguard service is not operating, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

ENDS

RNLI media contacts

• Tim Ash, RNLI Public Relations Manager (London/East/South East) on 0207 6207426, 07785 296252  [email protected]
• James Oxley, RNLI Press Officer (London/East/South East)
0207 6207425 / 07786 668825 [email protected]
• For enquiries outside normal business hours, contact the RNLI duty press officer on 01202 336789

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,000 lives.

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