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RNLI lifeguard rescues swimmer on New Brighton beach

Lifeguards News Release

New Brighton Lifeguard Callum Astles spotted a swimmer in trouble at New Brighton beach on Saturday 20 July and assisted them to safety.

RNLI/Nathan Williams

Red and Yellow flags flying
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Lifeguards at New Brighton beach were busy on Saturday warning members of the public about the hazardous sea conditions outside of the red and yellow flagged area.

An RNLI lifeguard was in the sea training on his paddle board when he spotted a member of the public in distress. On this occasion the swimmer had ventured outside the red and yellow flagged area and was no longer safe. The lifeguard took the casualty back to safety on the paddle board and gave advice.

Luckily, although the swimmer was outside the flagged area, they were on a lifeguarded beach, which meant a trained professional was on-hand to get them out of danger.

Although the sea might not look dangerous, the water is unpredictable, with changing tides, currents and weather conditions. The RNLI encourages beach-goers to visit lifeguarded beaches and to only enter the water when the flags indicate that it is safe to do so.

The Wirral’s Lead Lifeguard Supervisor Ryan Jennings said, ‘Luckily on this occasion the swimmer was on a beach being patrolled by a lifeguard, and was quickly taken out of danger. By attending a lifeguarded beach, you can make sure that whilst you’re having fun, you’re also staying safe.’

The purpose of the RNLI Lifeguards is to advise, supervise and rescue people, in their effort to save lives at sea. The lifeguards update safety signs and flags on the beach throughout the day to respond to changing sea conditions, which are important to take note of when you visit the beach.

There are over 240 lifeguarded beaches around the UK and Channel Islands, so it’s very likely there is one near you. You can find your nearest RNLI lifeguarded beach here: https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeguarded-beaches

Media Contact:
For more information contact Katie Lewis, Media Engagement Placement 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.

About the author

Katie Lewis
Media Engagement Placement (Wales and West)

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