RNLI lifeguards return to Weymouth beach for 2018 summer season

RNLI lifeguards will make a welcome return to Weymouth beach on Saturday (5 May) as patrols for the 2018 summer season get underway.

As in previous years, RNLI lifeguards have spent the last few weeks receiving world class training and being taught a variety of life-saving techniques so that they are ready for the start of the new season.

Alice Higgins, Lifeguard Supervisor says:

‘It’s that time again when the RNLI lifeguards make a welcome return to Weymouth beach. We’re hopeful for sunshine this Bank Holiday, but whatever the weather throws at us, we can expect the beach to be busy as visitors and locals enjoy their holidays.

‘If you are planning on getting in the water, it’s worth remembering the sea temperature is still very cold so it’s important people wear a suitable wetsuit and bring warm clothes to change into.

‘We urge beachgoers to head to an RNLI lifeguarded beach and to swim and bodyboard in the supervised area marked out by the red and yellow flags. Try and stay within your depth and follow the lifeguard’s advice. If you get into trouble, stick your hand in the air and shout for help. If you see someone else in trouble, tell a lifeguard, or if you can’t see a lifeguard, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.

‘It’s also important to check the tide times, which are at harbour offices and at the entrance to all RNLI lifeguarded beaches or by searching your nearest beach online. Always take a means of calling for help in case you should get caught out.’

Lifeguard patrols across the region will start on individual beaches at different dates between now and July. To find your nearest lifeguarded beach visit rnli.org

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.