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RNLI Beach Lifeguards Return to Littlehampton

Lifeguards News Release

The Royal National Lifeboat Institute (RNLI) are working in tandem with Arun District Council to prepare for another busy beach season with RNLI lifeguards returning to Littlehampton East beach from 29 April.

RNLI Lifeguards watch over the waves

RNLI/Thomas Henfrey

RNLI Lifeguards Saving Lives on the Beaches

The lifeguards will be patrolling at East Beach for weekends and Bank Holidays only from 29 April - 8 May, 10am - 6pm and then daily from 13 May - 3 September 10am - 6pm.

Littlehampton West Beach will be open daily from 13 May - 3 September from 10am - 6pm.

The RNLI work in partnership with Arun District Council to set up and provide a lifeguarding service for beaches in the region each year. Setting up a lifeguarding service is a busy process which includes the recruitment and training of lifeguards as well as coordinating the logistics of equipment and lifeguard unit deliveries to beaches across the region.

It takes a vast amount of commitment and hard work to save lives at the beach, which is why all the RNLI’s lifeguards meet such high standards in training and performance.

Thomas Ward, Lead Lifeguard Supervisor for Camber Central, said: ‘We put our lifeguards through extensive and in-depth training before the season begins, preparing them for the busy summer ahead. Our lifeguards’ complete months of demanding physical fitness tests, specialist equipment and vehicle training and vital casualty care training, before they are deployed to protect the area’s beachgoers.’

The role of a RNLI lifeguard is fast-paced and diverse. As well as rescuing those in trouble in the water, RNLI lifeguards must deal with an array of other beach safety matters such as lost children, minor first aid like stings and cuts, critical illnesses and injury response and providing safety advice so beachgoers can enjoy their time a safe and respectful manner.

‘Of course, all this training prepares our team for every eventuality, but we also want members of the public to ensure they are doing everything they can to stay safe at the beach this summer. As the weather begins to warm up and our beaches start reopening, please do make sure you pay strong attention to our safety messages to ensure you enjoy your visit safely.’ Thomas added.

Philippa Dart, Director of Environment and Climate Change at Arun District Council stated: ‘The partnership between Arun District Council and the RNLI continues to grow and we welcome the return of RNLI Lifeguards for the 2023 season. The Lifeguards play a vital role in keeping our visitors safe whilst work closely with council services to provide beach goers with a top-quality experience.’

To keep safe when visiting the coast this April and beyond, the RNLI is urging people to follow their beach safety advice:

  • Visit a lifeguarded beach and only swim between the red and yellow flags.
  • Check the weather forecast and tide times and read any local hazard signage to understand local risks.
  • Be aware of cold-water shock in the lead up to summer. Although the outside temperature may be warming up, it takes a while for the sea temperature to follow. Make sure you acclimatise to the temperature slowly.
  • When taking part in activities like paddleboarding or kayaking the RNLI recommends wearing a wetsuit, buoyancy aid or lifejacket and carrying a means of calling for help in a waterproof pouch that is kept on your person.
  • Tell someone what you are doing, where you are going and when you expect to return.
  • If you are going open-water swimming, use a wetsuit to keep you warm, wear a bright-coloured swim hat and take a tow float to store personal items including your phone for emergencies.
  • If you get into trouble in the water or fall in unexpectedly, FLOAT TO LIVE. Fight the instinct to thrash around, lean back, extend your arms and legs, and float.
  • In an emergency dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

To find your nearest RNLI lifeguarded beach please visit: https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeguarded-beaches.

If you are interested in becoming an RNLI lifeguard this summer, there are still positions available. You will receive world-class lifesaving training, enjoy good rates of pay, the possibility of flexible working patterns and develop valuable skills for your future career. Find out more about becoming an RNLI beach lifeguard at: rnli.org/BeALifeguard.

Notes to Editors

Each year the RNLI is aided by funding contributions from Arun District Council in order to run a comprehensive beach lifeguard service across the county’s beaches. These contributions help to meet lifeguard wages, whilst the extensive training and equipment provision comes from the charity as a result of public donations. RNLI lifeguards work in tandem with emergency services and other public-facing teams to provide enjoyable and safe beach visits for the public.

RNLI Media Contacts:

Thomas Henfrey, RNLI Media Engagement Placement, London and Southeast,[email protected], 07790772665.

Julie Rainey, RNLI Regional Media Manager, London and Southeast, [email protected], 07827 358256.

Paul Dunt, RNLI Regional Media Officer, London and Southeast, [email protected], 07785 296252.

For enquiries outside normal business hours, contact the RNLI duty press officer on 01202 336789

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, 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.