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RNLI lifeguards return to Somerset beaches for 2024 summer season

Lifeguards News Release

RNLI lifeguards will begin daily patrols of the beaches at Burnham-On-Sea and Brean from Saturday 29 June and they will continue on these beaches up until the end of the season on Sunday 1 September.

The RNLI works in partnership with local authorities and private beach owners each year to set up and roll out a lifeguard service, at their request. Setting up a lifeguard service each season involves several different elements, including recruiting and training lifeguards and organising the logistics to deliver equipment, and in some cases, lifeguard units, to each beach. 

RNLI lifeguards in Somerset have spent the last month pre-season training, which has included essential skills in casualty care, fitness testing, lifesaving skills in and out of the water and watercraft operations. 

Matthew Whitley, Regional Lead Lifeguard Supervisor for North Devon and North Somerset said:

‘Our lifeguards have spent the last few weeks going through inductions and training to make sure they are ready for the new season. They are excited to be back on the beaches doing what they do best, offering preventative advice and a top-quality lifesaving service.

‘We’d also like to thank Somerset Council who have been made it possible to provide the service for the peak summer season where lifeguards join alongside the beach warden service to keep the public safe.

‘As ever, we want people who are coming to the coast to enjoy themselves but to do so safely. It is our strong advice that people head to a lifeguarded beach, follow the advice of the lifeguards and pay attention to the flags or safety signage. The beaches of Burnham-On-Sea and Brean have extremely large tidal ranges that expose large mud flats and sinking sand, attempting to reach the water at certain times of the day can be very dangerous and lifeguards regularly patrol providing safety advice.’

The RNLI is urging anyone visiting the coast this spring to make sure they keep themselves and their families safe by following beach safety advice: 

· Visit a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags. 

· Check the weather forecast, tide times and read local hazard signage to understand local risks. 

· 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. 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. 

Notes to editors

· Photo shows lifeguards in training for peak season

RNLI media contacts

For more information please contact Archie Connolly, Media Engagement – Placement-South West on 07977 468283 or [email protected],uk or Emma Haines, Regional Communications Manager, on 07786 668847 or [email protected] or contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.

RNLI online

For more information, please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the RNLI News Centre.

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 over 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and, in a normal year, 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.

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.

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