RNLI lifeguards return to Bournemouth beach in April
The upcoming Easter school holidays will see the return of RNLI lifeguards to four beaches across Bournemouth.
From Saturday 5 April 2025, RNLI lifeguards will be returning to four beaches between Sandbanks and Boscombe. Lifeguards will return to the rest of Bournemouth’s beaches between the 24 May and 19 July
Figures reveal that in 2024, RNLI lifeguards saved 15 lives, as well as dealing with over 1,930 incidents and assisting nearly 2,284 people in the south east of England alone.
From Saturday 5 April 2025, until Sunday 28 September, RNLI lifeguards will be on duty seven days a week from 10am to 6pm, at Sandbanks beach, Boscombe East beach, Bournemouth East beach, and Bournemouth West beach.
Kester Sheppard, Lead Lifeguard Supervisor for Dorset, 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 returning to beaches, doing what they do best, offering preventative advice and an excellent lifesaving service.’
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.
Kester 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
Notes to editors
To learn more about RNLI lifeguarded beaches visit: RNLI Lifeguards In The UK And Channel Islands
More information on where to find lifeguards across BCP beaches, plus information on where you can swim in safety. Lifeguards and beach safety | BCP (bcpcouncil.gov.uk)
Beach guidelines: Beach guidelines | BCP (bcpcouncil.gov.uk)
RNLI media contacts
For more information please contact Sam Carragher, Lifeboat Press Officer on [email protected] or contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.
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, X, TikTok 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.