
RNLI lifeguard storage unit goes up in smoke
RNLI lifeguards rescue boards damaged by fire at Stone Bay Beach in Thanet.
On the evening of Wednesday 19 June 2024, a RNLI lifeguard storage unit was set on fire, damaging the vital equipment inside at a cost of £2,500 to the charity.
The incident took place on Stone Bay Beach in Thanet. Whilst the cause of the fire is not yet known, we urge the public who are using BBQs or having fires at the beach to take extra care.
With the warmer weather arriving, RNLI lifeguards are urging the public to remember the correct use and disposal of these BBQs and about lighting fires on beaches.
If you are going to bring a disposable BBQ to a beach, it’s important to dispose of it in the correct way to avoid injury or damage. During the summer months, many beaches provide a safe disposable BBQ bin. It is usually bright red in colour.
Regional lifeguard lead for the RNLI, Ed Stevens said: ‘We want to everyone to enjoy our beautiful beaches during the summer months, but please do so safely.
‘If you are having a BBQ please don’t bury it or cover it with sand after you’ve finished as it will continue burning and this actually traps the heat in and could cause injury for other beach users. The same goes for lighting fires on our beaches.
‘Our lifeguards are there to keep you safe and although they have faced a set-back, we will still carry out our vital work over the next few days and throughout the summer.’
Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) is urging everyone to help reduce the risk of an emergency this summer by enjoying themselves safely.
KFRS advised the public visiting the beach this summer to:
· only use disposable BBQs in authorised areas and make sure it is cold before putting in a bin
· supervise burning bonfires and lit barbecues at all times
· always take rubbish home or use a bin, as rubish such as reflective cans and glass can start fires
· dispose of smoking materials responsible – do not throw them onto the ground
KFRS Group Manager Vicki Board says to: ‘Be water wise. During spells of warmer weather, it might be tempting to cool off in lakes or rivers. It’s important to remember that water is often deeper than it looks, with strong currents and hidden obstructions. The water temperature if often still very cold. This can lead to cold water shock and increase the risk of drowning.
‘If you find yourself struggling in water and can’t swim to safety, float on your back like a starfish, try to stay calm, and then shout for help.
‘And, if you see someone who needs rescuing from water, call 999 and ask for the fire service if they’re in inland water, such as a lake or river, or ask for the coastguard if you’re by the sea.
‘Calling the right emergency service can help to save vital time and increase the chance of someone’s survival.’
RNLI Lifeguards are on beaches to ensure the public remains safe and enjoys their time at the beach this summer. They are there to offer useful beach safety advice for your visit and valuable insight into the tide and weather for the day ahead. It is always advised to visit their hut at the start of your day at the beach.
The key summer safety advice to remember is:
· Visit a lifeguarded beach & swim between the red and yellow flags
· If you get into trouble Float to Live; tilt your head back with ears submerged and try to relax and control your breathing. Use your hands to help you stay afloat and then call for help or swim to safety if you can.
· Call 999 in an emergency and ask for the Coastguard
Although some boards have been damaged beyond use, Thanet District Council, alongside one of the RNLI’s partners ‘Your Leisure’ has allowed the lifeguards to store their rescue boards and vital equipment in a storage container close by. This will allow the boards, funded by generous donations to the charity, to remain safe and for the RNLI lifeguard service to continue at Stone Bay Beach.
Currently, Stone Bay Beach has RNLI lifeguards on duty from 10am till 6pm on weekend service. Fortunately, this service will remain in place and the damaged storage unit will be safely removed within the next couple of weeks.
RNLI media contacts
For more information please email Izzy Coley, RNLI Media Engagement Placement – South East Region on [email protected] or telephone RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.
RNLI at 200
On 4 March 2024, the RNLI celebrates 200 years of saving lives at sea – thanks to volunteers giving their time to save others, all funded by voluntary public donations. Throughout its 200th anniversary year, the charity is running events and activities to commemorate its history, celebrate the lifesaving service it provides today, and inspire generations of future lifesavers and supporters. For more information visit
RNLI.org/200.
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.