RNLI Lifeguard cover on Camber Central beach to be extended for an extra month

The lifeguard season had been due to end on Camber Central beach this Sunday (October 4) but the lifeguards, in their distinctive red and yellow uniforms, will now be on the beach at weekends up to Sunday 25 October and then everyday for the whole of half term from Monday 26 October to Sunday 1 November.

It means there will be an extra thirteen days of lifeguard cover on a beach which regularly attracts thousands of visitors from all over the country. Joe Mitchell, Area Lifesaving Manager for the RNLI, said the agreement between Rother District Council and the RNLI was great news for visitors and locals alike.

‘Our lifeguards at Camber have had a busy summer with coronavirus restrictions meaning more people than ever have been holidaying at home, so having them there for an extra month, particularly during what can be a busy half term is fantastic news.’ he said.

During the summer season lifeguards at Camber have responded to numerous incidents in the water, provided casualty care for minor and major medical incidents, helped find lost children and provided vital safety advice and guidance which prevented more incidents occurring.

In one of many noteable incidents during the season, RNLI lifeguards at Central beach saved a boy from drowning after his brother alerted them that his sibling couldn’t swim: https://rnli.org/news-and-media/2020/july/14/boys-saved-from-drowning-off-camber-coast2

Rother District Council Leader, Councillor Doug Oliver said: ‘It is very welcome news that RNLI lifeguards are going to be on duty at Camber Central beach until November 1 and I would like to thank them for their sterling work at Camber over the last few months.

‘Despite the extended lifeguard presence at the beach I strongly encourage people to take responsibility for their own safety when visiting and be aware of the potential dangers of the sea’.

Lifeguard cover at Camber West beach will finish on Sunday 4 October so those wanting to swim are urged to visit the lifeguarded beach at Camber Central and do so within the red and yellow flags.

With autumn beginning to close in, Area Lifesaving Manager Joe Mitchell advised anyone heading to the coast to put safety first:

‘With many people staying in the UK this autumn we know it’s likely there will be more people visiting the coast this year than usual, particularly on warmer days. We would urge anyone heading to a beach to do some research before their visit into the local conditions, check the tide timetables and weather and take a means of communication with them.

Take note of the safety signage at the entrance, go with a friend or tell someone on the shore where you’re going, and always be aware of the conditions and your own capabilities in the water’.

Note to Editors:

Camber beach lifeguard dates in full:

RNLI lifeguards will be on Camber Central beach for the weekend of October 3, 4, October 10,11, October 17,18 and then from Saturday 24 October to Sunday 1 November inclusive.

The RNLI lifeguard season at Camber West beach will end on Sunday 4 October.

RNLI lifeboat crews have been operating throughout the pandemic and continue to be on call 24/7 ready to respond to emergencies when their pager goes off.

If you’re planning a visit to a beach or the coast please follow this safety advice:

§ Have a plan - check the weather forecast, tide times and read local hazard signage

§ Keep a close eye on your family – on the beach and in the water

§ Don’t allow your family to swim alone

§ Don’t use inflatables

§ If you fall into the water unexpectedly, FLOAT TO LIVE. Fight your instinct to thrash around, lean back, extend your arms and legs, and float

§ In an emergency dial 999, and ask for the Coastguard

ENDS

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Paul Dunt, RNLI Regional Media Officer, London and South East, [email protected], 07785 29625

Julie Rainey, RNLI Regional Media Manager, London and South East, [email protected] (07827) 358256

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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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