RNLI beach lifeguards to resume patrols on the Isle of Wight
RNLI lifeguards will return to Sandown beach this weekend after a successful first year of service on the Isle of Wight, which launched for the first time in the lifesaving charity’s history last summer.
Ed Stevens, RNLI Lifeguard Manager, said: ‘It’s incredibly exciting to be providing an RNLI lifeguard service on the Isle of Wight for the second year running. Sandown is a busy seaside resort which attracts thousands of tourists and locals each year and we’re looking forward to keeping them safe once again throughout the summer months.
The RNLI will have two highly-trained lifeguards patrolling at Sandown working from a first aid station positioned on the beach. They will be equipped with rescue boards and tubes for people in need of help in the water, as well as medical bags, stretchers and oxygen to help anyone who may be sick or injured.
Ed added, ‘Last year we had a successful partnership with Sandown Town Council, which enabled our lifeguards to operate throughout the summer season where they rescued two people and aided over 40 beach-goers.’
A Sandown Town Council spokesperson said: ‘Sandown Town Council is pleased to welcome the RNLI back to the beaches of Sandown to give confidence to both our residents and visitors. We look forward to working with the lifeguards once again and are confident of another good working relationship between the RNLI and our own local Sandown and Shanklin Independent Lifeboat stations, should the need arise.’
If you’re heading to the seaside this summer, make sure you go to a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags. For safety information and for details of our Respect the Water campaign, click here.
RNLI media contacts
· Tim Ash, RNLI Public Relations Manager (London/East/South East) on 0207 6207426, 07785 296252 [email protected]
· Sophie Coller-Nielsen Press Officer (London/East/South East), 0207 6207416, 07824 416615 [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.
Learn more about the RNLI
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.
Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.