RNLI lifeguards set to return to Tyne and Wear come rain or shine

The charity’s lifeguards will be at their posts from 10am to 6pm. The daily service will operate until Sunday 4 September.

95% of the role is preventative and the teams have completed a period of extensive training. This ensures that every RNLI lifeguard has the vital skill-set to enable them to deal with everything from locating missing children through to performing major first-aid and lifesaving rescues.

RNLI Lifeguard Manager, Carl Harris, said: ‘Following a stringent training programme our charity’s lifeguards are in peak condition and they’re really looking forward to returning to their posts. Come rain or shine we’ll be there to offer friendly safety advice such as always to swim between the red and yellow flags and information on tide times.

‘We always advise people to visit a lifeguarded beach. It’s great to see visitors enjoying the coast with the extra peace of mind of knowing that we are there should they need us.’

The RNLI runs the lifeguard service in partnership with the local councils*.

Sunderland City Council Portfolio Holder for Public Health, Wellness and Culture, Councillor John Kelly said: ‘The reassuring presence of lifeguards helps make visits to our beaches an even safer and relaxing experience.
 
‘Our partnership with the RNLI  and their lifeguards  is one we value, and one which ensures that Roker and Seaburn are great, safe places to swim and enjoy yourself.’

North Tyneside Elected Mayor, Norma Redfearn said: ‘The RNLI provides an invaluable service on our beautiful beaches and I’m thrilled they’re retuning later this month.
 
‘Our coastline attracts thousands of people every summer and they come knowing that they can rely on the beaches as being clean, safe and well-maintained, because of the sterling efforts that the RNLI lifeguards and our seasonal beach wardens undertake.’

Lead Member for Area Management and Community Safety at South Tyneside Council, Councillor Moira Smith, said: ‘Sandhaven was recently awarded Blue Flag status and the Seaside Award, ensuring visitors the highest standards of water cleanliness and safety as well as high quality facilities.
 
‘Having professional lifeguards on stand-by is an additional service to ensure that residents and visitors to our beautiful coastline can relax, knowing  that trained people are on hand if needed.’
 
Notes to editors

*RNLI lifeguards will operate their seasonal patrols on the following beaches: Whitley Bay North and South, Cullercoats, King Edwards Bay, Longsands South, Sandhaven, Mowbray, Seaburn, Cats and Dogs and Roker.

Longsands North - the lifeguarding service won’t start until 16 July, there will then be daily patrols until 4 September.

* As RNLI lifeguards need to be physically on the beach during the patrolled hours, ready to respond to emergencies and prevent accidents, the RNLI can’t rely on volunteers to provide this cover seven days a week.

Local authorities part fund the RNLI’s costs, which helps to meet the cost of lifeguard wages.

Picture caption
The photograph shows an RNLI lifeguard on patrol. Credit: RNLI.

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For more information, please contact Clare Hopps, RNLI Press Officer, North on 07824 518641 or at [email protected]

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 142,700 lives.

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