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RNLI lifeguard peak season has come to an end in the North East

Lifeguards News Release

As the lifeguarding season ends in the North and East the RNLI are encouraging beachgoers to respect the water and follow water safety advice.

Three Lifeguards standing next to eachother looking out to sea

RNLI/Lauren Wright

RNLI Lifeguards patrol the beach between 10am to 6pm

North and East RNLI lifeguards completed a successful summer season, which involved a combined 3771 days of patrols across the beaches. Lifeguarding officially came to an end on Sunday 8th September as the last of the beaches in the region finished.

Throughout the summer of 2024 Lifeguards have been working hard putting preventative measures in place, advising water safety and attending various incidences. Lifeguards have dealt with casualty care, first aids, missing children and rescues from the sea.

Regional Lead Lifeguard Carl Harris says: ‘As the season finishes for RNLI lifeguards in the North and East, we are advising people to continue to take care and be aware of the dangers.

‘Take note of safety signage at the entrance to the beach which will warn of the local risks and hazards. Check the weather conditions and tide times and consider your capabilities, if in doubt it is better to stay dry and watch the sea than take the risk.

‘Ensure you carry a means of contact such as a mobile phone, if you get into trouble or see anyone else in difficulty call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

‘Having company at the beach could help in the event of an emergency so don’t go alone, always allow someone to know where you are heading and an estimated time you will be back.


‘We’re aware that cold water dipping is becoming increasingly popular. We strongly advise that you should never do this alone. As we get further into the winter months and the temperature continues to drop, the risk of cold-water shock will increase.

‘Make sure you do not stay in the water for a prolonged period, and that you have means of warming up afterwards.

‘If you get into trouble in the water, 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.

‘I would like to commend the lifeguards for the phenomenal work they have done throughout the 2024 season and the charity’s 200th anniversary.’

To acknowledge lifeguards hard work, below are a few positive rescue stories from the past few months on beach patrols.

Lifeguards in Tyne and Wear:
Tynemouth RNLI Lifeguards rescue family from rip current | RNLI

Lifeguards in East Riding of Yorkshire:

Hornsea RNLI lifeguards rescue two casualties while public member assists girl | RNLI

Lifeguards in Suffolk:

Lowestoft RNLI Lifeguards save nine people in one day ahead of the summer season | RNLI

If you are interested in becoming an RNLI lifeguard for the 2025 season please visit: Lifeguards: 2025 Season (rnli.org)

Despite the end of the lifeguard season RNLI lifeboat stations will still be fully operational from the 238 stations across the UK. If someone gets into difficulty in the water you can dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.


Notes to editors

· Here is a link to a video demonstrating the Float to Live technique: https://source.rnli.org.uk/share/8D368494-1288-427B-9579B05FD5568D3F/?viewType=grid

· Since 2001, RNLI lifeguards have saved 1,681 lives, aided 320,087 people through water rescue, returning lost children and delivering first aid and casualty care. They have responded to 251,436 incidents and carried out 32M preventative actions.

· For beach safety information and tips, please visit: https://rnli.org/safety/beach-safety

RNLI media contacts

For more information please telephone Lauren Wright, RNLI Media Engagement - Placement on 07890 402106 or [email protected] or contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789 or [email protected]

Lifeguard in wetsuit, lifejacket and helmet guiding a RNLI jetski through white waters

RNLI/Lauren Wright

RNLI Lifeguarding will resume next year in the 2025 summer season
Lifeguard leaning against the back of RNLI quadbike on the seafront

RNLI/Lauren Wright

If you find yourself in difficulty at sea call 999 and ask for the coastguard

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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