
RNLI lifeguard peak season has come to an end in the south east
With the peak season ending there will be a reduced RNLI lifeguard service, with several beaches no longer have lifeguards on duty. The RNLI are encouraging beachgoers to ensure they continue to visit a lifeguarded beach.
On Sunday 1 September 2024, RNLI lifeguards in the southeast completed a successful peak season. As many return to school our lifeguards will be providing a reduced service with some beaches no longer seeing a RNLI presence. With the start of September looking to be warm, we advise anyone planning to visit a beach to check which beaches still have a lifeguard presence before travelling.
Here in the southeast, our lifeguards have been working hard to help prevent any major incidents occurring during the summer of 2024. To acknowledge their hard work below are a few positive rescue stories from the past few months on beach patrols.
Lifeguards in East Sussex:
At 2:20pm on Monday 12 August 2024, a member of the public alerted our lifeguard service on Camber sands central beach to a swimmer in difficulty. Senior lifeguard Tom paddled out on a safety board to a 16-year-old girl who had stepped off a sandbar and was in distress. After helping her on to the board and calming her down, she was taken to shore where she was reunited with her waiting family. Luckily the young woman was swimming between the red and yellow lifeguard flags, so Tom was able to get to her quickly and efficiently.
Lifeguards in West Sussex and Hampshire:
On Saturday 17 August 2024 a similar incident occurred at Eastney beach. Two young children were enjoying a swim, when they suddenly found themselves out of their depth. The beach at Eastney is a steep shelving beach and it is often hard to judge the depth of the water. Fortunately, our lifeguard leapt into action and safety rescued the pair using a rescue tube. They were then brought safely back ashore. They were assessed and taken to hospital by ambulance.
Lifeguards in East Dorset:
On Sunday 11 August 2024 RNLI lifeguards on Sandbanks beach were having a good day advising beachgoers, patrolling the shoreline and monitoring the red and yellow flagged area. While a large population of beachgoers were enjoying their time in the water, the tide changed and a strong current formed close to the groynes. Mindful of the risks of these sea conditions lifeguard Ben C was quick to spot and respond when a man found himself in difficulty near the groynes. He headed out on his rescue watercraft, while his colleague Ben W, paddle out on a RNLI rescue board to help encourage other members of the public back between the red and yellow lifeguard flags. Those requiring assistance were brought safely back ashore.
95% of the work lifeguards do is preventative. They are on beaches to advise the public on the best places to swim and what to be mindful of on each individual beach. It is always recommended to speak to a lifeguard at the start of your day at the beach. They are keen to share their knowledge and ensure you have the best day possible.
If you are interested in becoming an RNLI lifeguard for the 2025 season please visit: Lifeguards: 2025 Season (rnli.org)
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.