Lifeguard Harry Yarbo: from young recruit to respected rescuer
Lifeguard Harry Yarbo has spent the past five years dedicating himself to saving lives along the Norfolk coastline and beyond.
He has completed five seasons as a RNLI lifeguard since then, alongside a split season working in Australia and New Zealand, gaining invaluable experience in different coastal environments.
One of his most memorable rescues came early in his career, a moment that demonstrated his instinct and quick thinking based on the extensive training he had.
He was on patrol and anticipated a young boy getting into difficulty near the channel ledge. As expected, the child, approximately four years old, ran into the water unaware of the hidden dangers and immediately disappeared beneath the surface.
Thanks to his foresight, Harry was already moving towards the scene, allowing him to sprint into the water, wade out, and pull the child to safety before the situation turned tragic.
Beyond the beach, Harry’s commitment to public safety has extended to emergency response on land. He assisted in a serious road traffic accident alongside fellow lifeguard Olly Holden, earning a commendation from the police for their efforts.
In 2022, at just 18 years old, Harry’s dedication and leadership were recognised when he was trained as a Senior Lifeguard, equipping him with the skills and responsibility to lead teams in high-pressure situations.
Harry also joined the volunteer crew at Sheringham Lifeboat Station in 2022, further expanding his understanding of RNLI operations at sea. His experience in both lifeguarding and lifeboat crew work has allowed him to contribute effectively to joint operations and rescue missions, strengthening the RNLI’s lifesaving response.
These experiences have reinforced Harry's lifelong ambition of joining the Royal Navy as an Aircrew Officer Observer. His ability to stay calm under pressure, lead a team, and make split-second decisions will serve him well in his future career.
This year, Harry embarks on a new chapter where he will be patrolling alongside his younger brother Nelson as he passes on his knowledge and passion for lifesaving to the next generation.
Harry Yarbo said: ‘Being able to pass on the skills I’ve learned as a RNLI lifeguard to my brother and the next generation of lifeguards is something I’m really proud of. Lifeguarding is an amazing way to build your skills and knowledge, and honestly, there’s no better office than the beach.
‘My advice is when visiting a lifeguarded beach always make sure to swim between the red and yellow flags. This area is closely monitored by the lifeguards throughout the day. The flags are set out daily and moved depending on the state of the tide by the lifeguard team.
‘We want people to enjoy the coastline and therefore urge people to respect the water and take extra care when visiting the coast, by taking some basic precautions. Plan your activity – check the weather and tide conditions before going to the beach.’
Harry’s journey with the RNLI is a testament to the impact that dedication, training, and teamwork can have on saving lives at sea. His story highlights the vital role RNLI lifeguards and crew play in protecting those who visit the coast.
Notes to editor
RNLI lifeguards have been patrolling beaches since 2001. They share safety advice, provide first aid to those who need it, and save the lives of those who get in trouble in the water. Their proactive approach is shown by the millions of preventative actions they carry out each year.
In 2024, they carried out over 2M (2,349,150) preventative actions. In addition, they attended 13,135 incidents, helped 17,068 people, and saved 85 lives.
For more information on the RNLI please visit rnli.org. News releases and other media resources, including RSS feeds, downloadable photos and video, are available at the RNLI News Centre rnli.org/news-and-media.
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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.
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