RNLI lifeguard patrols begin at Lyme Regis for busy summer season

Lyme Regis, West Bay and Greenhill beaches will be patrolled by RNLI lifeguards 10am-6pm daily until 2 September. This is alongside Weymouth beach which has been patrolled since 5 May until 30 September.

This is the first time the new lifeguard look-out tower will be used at Lyme Regis which will significantly improve the lifeguard service on the beach, especially through the better visibility of the beach the hut provides. It is also a more conspicuous facility which provides the beach with a useful first aid and information point and a meeting point for lost children as well as providing more modern welfare facilities for the lifeguards.

Alice Higgins, RNLI lifeguard supervisor for the area, said:

‘With the recent hot weather, we urge visitors hoping to make the most of the sun to check that the beach they want to visit is lifeguarded. We provide much greater safety for sunbathers, swimmers and water sports enthusiasts, especially now thanks to our new lifeguard facilities.

We advise visitors coming to the area to always swim between the red and yellow flags and to check tide times before arriving at the beach – especially if you are planning to walk to Charmouth.

We want visitors to enjoy their time at our beaches but to respect the water at the same time. We advise you to check the weather conditions before arriving and to be aware of any local hazards at the beach. We encourage any visitors to please feel free to speak to the lifeguards on patrol for any advice.’

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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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

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