RNLI lifeguards begin daily patrols at Longsands North beach
The Daily service provided by the RNLI will begin Saturday 20 July until Sunday 1 September from 10am to 6pm.
RNLI lifeguard Supervisor Sean Mills said: ‘Longsands North is the final beach in our area to start daily patrols. Lifeguards in other areas across the North East have already been extremely busy providing a vital service to the public.
‘Our lifeguards have been working hard to complete their training and are looking forward to returning to Longsands North. They will be on hand to assist the public with anything from missing children to water safety advice. 95% of our role is prevention and at this time we would like to remind the public to always visit a lifeguarded beach and to swim between the red and yellow flags.’
Other beaches in the local area have benefited from daily patrols since Saturday 25 May, however they will see an increase in lifeguards from Saturday 20 July. These beaches include Whitley Bay North, Whitley Bay, Cullercoats, Tynemouth Longsands, King Edward’s Bay, Sandhaven Central, Sandhaven Mowbray, Seaburn, Cat and Dogs and Roker beach.
Notes to editors
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The RNLI is the charity that 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.
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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 Media Contacts
For more information contact:
Kate Driver, RNLI Regional Media Engagement on 07486872956 or email at [email protected]
Clare Hopps, RNLI Regional Media Officer on 07824518641 or email at [email protected]
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.