RNLI Lifeguards are back on the beaches for peak season in Southsea and Eastney!
With the sunshine returning you will see more red and yellow flags on beaches as RNLI lifeguards return to keep people safe on the shore and in the water.
From Saturday 25 May 2024, many beaches across the south east coast have seen RNLI lifeguards return for the summer season. Some of our busier beaches have been lifeguarded on weekends since the Easter holidays, but as 75% of all lifeguard incidents occur during the summer months, during this period many RNLI Lifeguards will be on daily service from 10am-6pm.
The RNLI works in partnership with councils and private beach owners each year to keep beachgoers safe.
Figures from the RNLI reveal that in 2023, RNLI lifeguards saved 14 lives, as well as dealing with over 2,000 incidents and assisting nearly 2,500 people in the south east of England alone.
From Saturday 29 June 2024 until Sunday 1 September 2024, RNLI Lifeguards will be on duty seven days a week from 10am to 6pm at the following beaches in Southsea and Eastney:
Southsea:
- Canoe Lake Beach
Eastney:
- Eastney Beach
Ed Stevens, Regional Lifeguard Lead for the south east said: ‘Our lifeguards have spent the last few weeks going through their inductions and training hard in preparation for the season ahead. They are excited to be back on the beaches doing what they do best, offering preventative advice and an excellent lifesaving service.
A Portsmouth City Council spokesperson said: ‘We are looking forward to our lifeguards returning to beaches for the peak season. They will be working alongside the RNLI lifeguards to keep beachgoers safe this summer. We have been working in partnership with the RNLI since 2001. Our concerns are always for the public and we encourage you to speak to your local lifeguards at the start of your day on the beach.’
If you are heading to the beaches in the coming weeks, we strongly advise that you choose a lifeguarded beach. Speak to our lifeguards for advice and information on the local beach environment including tides, sea state and weather conditions.
Ed Stevens has further advice for beachgoers: “It’s important to remember that the water is still cold and we’d ask everyone to be prepared for whatever water activity you have planned by always having a means of calling for help and checking the weather forecast and local hazard signage to understand local risks.”
When visiting the beach this summer remember:
- Visit a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags
· Keep a close eye on your family - on the beach and in the water - don't allow your family to swim alone.
- If you fall into the water unexpectedly, FLOAT TO LIVE. Find out how here: Float To Live – What To Do In An Emergency – RNLI
Editor’s Notes:
To learn more about RNLI lifeguarded beaches visit: RNLI Lifeguards In The UK And Channel Islands
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 142,700 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.