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First Female RNLI lifeguard team patrols Camber Sands

Lifeguards News Release

This Friday, the team keeping people safe on Camber Sands will be made up entirely of women for the first time.

Three female lifeguards on shift at Camber Sands

RNLI/Jodie Shoesmith

Three female lifeguards on shift at Camber Sands

On Friday 31 May 2024, Camber Sands RNLI lifeguard team will be the first fully female team for 2024.

RNLI lifeguards have been patrolling beaches across the United Kingdom and Ireland since 2001, and this year there are more women in the service than ever before.

Camber Sands has had lifeguards on its beaches on weekend service since 29 March 2024. It recently started its main season on 25 May 2024, with lifeguards operating seven days a week between 10am and 6pm. If you visit a lifeguarded beach, it is always advisable to speak to the lifeguards and find out their key safety advice for a safe day on the beach.

On Friday, the three lifeguards on duty collectively hold more than 12 years’ experience, with most gained locally.

One lifeguard, Georgia Landy is on her eighth season and was the senior lifeguard supervisor on shift on Friday. Georgia says:

Working as a beach lifeguard has been crucial for me as I am very much an outdoorsy person. Getting to share people's first experience at the seaside is so joyous and chatting to such a variety of people is why I love the job so much.

The season allows for lots of flexibility in travel, work and more recently to venturing back into studying. I am now a 1st year Physiotherapy student at Canterbury Christ Church University. This was a rather large shift from my previous 6 years with the RNLI but I am enjoying expanding my knowledge and getting to apply all the detailed casualty care training over to my degree.’

The two other lifeguards, Florence and Beatrice Laimbeer, are sisters. Florence has been lifeguarding for the past four years and her sister Beatrice has followed in her footsteps and has just started her second season on Hastings and Camber beaches. Florence says:

‘I’m looking forward to starting my fourth season lifeguarding for the RNLI. We’ve been doing a lot of training in preparation for the season ahead and we are looking forward to seeing more people on the beaches as the weather improves.

This year will be different as I’ve been working with my younger sister Beatrice. She started lifeguarding last year. We get on very well, so working together has been easy and I’ve enjoyed seeing her progress through her training and confidently carry out her job.’

The sisters enjoy getting to spend time keeping beach users safe and using their training and experience in such a beautiful location. Many lifeguards say they make friends for life within the service and often pursue careers in the emergency services or working with the public.

Hugh Richardson the lead lifeguard supervisor for the Hasting’s area says:

‘All RNLI lifeguards undergo the same training plan and fitness test to ensure that they can respond as quickly and as safely as possible to a person in trouble in the water. We work hard to make our service a positive and inclusive working environment for anyone who meets the standards we set.

95% of a RNLI lifeguard’s job is preventative. The aim is for them to educate beachgoers on the importance of beach safety and help them identify potential dangers to reduce the risk of someone becoming in distress on our beaches. Our lifeguards are all qualified and first aid trained to help in any situation where they’re needed.

We are keen to encourage more people to join the RNLI as lifeguards and help us spread awareness of how to stay safe near the water to prevent incidents.’

Notes to editors

The RNLI recently launched their Float to Live campaign for 2024 with key beach safety advice. For more information visit the RNLI website here: Float To Live – What To Do In An Emergency – RNLI

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.

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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. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 144,000 lives.

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.