RNLI Beach Lifeguards return to Hastings Pier and Hastings Pelham for 2023

The charity’s lifeguards will be patrolling at Hastings Pier Beach from 10am – 6pm on weekends from 3 June to 2 July and then daily from 8 July – 1 September. They will then return to weekends only from 2 – 24 September.

Coverage at Hastings Pelham Beach and Marina St Leonards will be commencing for the May half term, 27 May - 2 June, and then continuing with weekends only from 3 June - 2 July, followed by daily coverage from 8 July - 1 September. They will return to weekends only from 2 – 24 September.

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

It takes huge levels 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.

Hugh Richardson, Lead Lifeguard Supervisor, said: ‘Keeping the public safe across the regions beaches demands a high level of training for our lifeguards. Before our teams are deployed to the beaches, they undergo a long process of physical fitness tests as well as specialist equipment and vehicle and casualty care training.’

Life as an 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 as well as providing safety advice so beachgoers can enjoy their time in a safe and respectful manner.

Hugh added: ‘Part of our job is also communicating critical beach safety information to the public on how to appropriately enjoy the beach and keep safe whilst doing so. One way the public can access this information is through the RNLI Beach Safety webpage: https://rnli.org/safety/beach-safety. I would also always recommend that members of the public familiarise themselves with the specific safety information about the beach they are visiting and to always swim between the red and yellow flags.’

Councillor Andy Batsford, lead for Health and Culture at Hastings Borough Council, said:

‘We are delighted that the RNLI lifeguards will be returning to Hastings’ beaches from April for the summer season. This highly trained charity provides such an invaluable service for Hastings Borough Council by managing beach lifeguarding for us. Each lifeguard spends a large amount of time developing their lifesaving and first aid skills to help keep everyone enjoying our beaches safe. Please help them by reading the RNLI’s beach safety advice, so you are aware of the risks when you are in and around the water and make sure you only enter the water to swim between the flags on the beach, as these show where the lifeguards are.’

To keep safe when visiting the coast during May 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 Hastings District Council in order to run a comprehensive beach lifeguard service on the town’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 across the UK and Ireland in tandem with emergency services and other public-facing teams, such as Coastal Operations Officers and Beach Patrol, 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 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 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 146,700 lives.

Learn more about the RNLI

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