RNLI Lifeguards begin their peak season patrols in Norfolk and Suffolk

In addition to the beaches that are already operating, eight further locations will come on board over the weekend.

RNLI lifeguards will commence their seasonal service at Sheringham East, West Runton, East Runton, Cromer West, Hemsby, Great Yarmouth, Southwold South and Lowestoft North.

The charity’s lifeguards, who operate on behalf of North Norfolk District Council, Great Yarmouth Borough Council and Waveney District Council, will be at their posts from 10am to 6pm daily until 9 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 Supervisor, Luke Swift, said: ‘Following a comprehensive training programme the charity’s lifeguards are in peak condition and they’re really looking forward to returning to their posts.

‘We always advise people to visit a lifeguarded beach as, whatever the weather, 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.

‘It’s great to see visitors enjoying the coast safe in the knowledge that if they do get into difficulty we’ll be there to help.’

The charity is running their national water safety campaign Respect the Water to help people stay safe throughout the summer: RNLI.org/RespectTheWater

Notes to editors

Additional lifeguards will also be added to RNLI patrols already in operation (since May) at Sheringham West, Cromer East, Mundesley, Sea Palling, Gorleston, Lowestoft South and Southwold North in preparation for an increase in people visiting the seaside.

*Sheringham West, Cromer East, Mundesley, Sea Palling, and Gorleston Beaches will continue their season up until Sunday 16 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.

RNLI Picture caption

The photographs show RNLI lifeguards on patrol. Credit: RNLI.

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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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