RNLI lifeguards keep East Sussex beaches safe during the heatwave

RNLI lifeguards there administered first aid in two separate incidents involving women in the dunes who were suffering from heat-related conditions. Working with the mobile HM Coastguard unit and colleagues from the council’s Coastal Team, they were able to bring the women out of the dunes and transport one to a waiting ambulance.

While on patrol on a jet-ski, one of the lifeguards then spotted two young girls who were swimming outside of the flagged area and had ventured out of their depth. One was able to climb on board the jet-ski but the other had to be assisted as she was too weak to do so. Both were returned safely to the shore and looked after until they had fully recovered.

Bexhill’s brand new lifeguard tower opened for the first time this weekend and on Monday, one of our new lifeguards accompanied by her colleague saw a young boy who was struggling beyond the flagged swimming area with his mum trying to keep him afloat. Both lifeguards made swiftly to the pair and were able to bring them safely back to the shore.

Dominic Richard, East Sussex Lifeguard Supervisor for the RNLI said, 'With the hot weather set to continue and school holidays in full swing, many beach visitors are taking to the sea to cool off. The red and yellow flags show the safest areas to swim on each beach and we’d advise that swimmers stay in this area so they can enjoy the water as safely as possible.

We want everyone to have a great summer on our beaches and we’re here to help you do that – always respect the water so we can make sure you head home safely at the end of the day.'

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

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.