RNLI lifeguards begin peak season patrols at Dorset beaches

Saturday 6 July marks the beginning of the lifeguards’ peak season this year, when the warm weather and summer holidays draw many people to the beaches. To keep beachgoers safe along the Jurassic coast, RNLI lifeguards will patrol Lyme Regis, West Bay and Greenhill from 10am to 6pm every day until the peak season ends on Sunday 1 September. On Weymouth main beach, where RNLI lifeguard patrols began on Saturday 4 May, the number of lifeguards on duty will increase from 4 to 5 for the peak season.

The RNLI lifeguards patrol the beaches to offer advice, supervise those in the sea, and rescue people who find themselves in difficulty. To keep yourself safe and informed, it is always recommended that you speak to a lifeguard on arrival at the beach to find out about the conditions and hazards on that particular day.

Alice Higgins, RNLI Lead Lifeguard Supervisor for the area says:

‘It is great to see people outside and enjoying the Dorset coastline in the summer months but it is also important that people stay safe while doing so.

‘Whether you are local or visiting on holiday, we always urge beachgoers to visit an RNLI lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags so that they are supervised while in the water. RNLI lifeguards also keep people safe on the shore by responding to first aid incidents and helping lost children.

'One particular danger to be aware of is using inflatables at the beach. These become very popular in the summer months but they are normally designed for pools rather than sea conditions. If you do use them at the beach, make sure that you remain close to the shore and that children are closely supervised. Never use inflatables when the orange windsock is flying or when the wind is blowing offshore as these conditions could drag them out to sea.’

For more information and to find your nearest lifeguarded beach visit https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeguarded-beaches.

Notes to editors

• Attached is an image of RNLI lifeguards at Lyme Regis beach
• 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.

RNLI media contacts

For more information Marianne Quinn, RNLI Media Engagement Placement, on [email protected] or 01752 854457 or Emma Haines, RNLI Regional Media Officer, on [email protected] or 07786 668847. Alternatively contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.

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For more information on the RNLI please visit rnli.org. News releases and other media resources, including RSS feeds, downloadable photos and video, are available at the RNLI News Centre rnli.org/news-and-media.

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 over 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.

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.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter 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.