RNLI launches podcast to celebrate 25 years of lifeguarding

The podcast, titled We Are Lifeguards, launched at the end of March which coincided with the lifeguards’ return to beaches around the UK.

The new podcast series shines a spotlight on powerful stories from across the country, featuring the voices of both rescuers and those whose lives they’ve saved in the south west. Listeners will hear from Fistral Beach RNLI lifeguards Saul Woodfinden and rescuee Richard Wright. It’s been a year since Richard Wright collapsed and fell unconscious on a beach. Thanks to the quick-thinking RNLI lifeguards who sprinted to the rescue, he’s here to tell the tale.

The podcast brings together stories from Weymouth Lead RNLI Lifeguard Supervisor Alice Alford‑Higgins, and Exmouth volunteer fundraiser and rescuee Gary Noble. The series also includes emotional reflections from Newquay surfer, Ruth Osborne, who used RNLI advice Float to Live to remain calm after a surfing accident left her separated from her board.

Rescuees feature alongside frontline perspectives from Jersey Lead RNLI Lifeguard Supervisor Jake Elms, Whitsand Bay RNLI lifeguard Athalie Redgrove, and Newquay RNLI lifeguard Alex Gkosime who saved Josh Richardson from a dangerous rip current.

Additional south west contributors include RNLI Area Technical Manager (retired) Chris Gray, Sennen Cove RNLI lifeguard and pro surfer Mike Lay, Exmouth’s Tim Treloar and Jake Butt, Holywell sculptor and former lifeguard Holly Bendall, and Newquay RNLI Lead Lifeguard Supervisor Lewis Timson.

As RNLI lifeguards start their 25th anniversary season, the charity is reminding visitors that choosing a lifeguarded beach is one of the simplest ways to stay safe. With thousands expected to visit the coast over the Easter holidays, the RNLI is also urging anyone heading to the coast to take simple steps to stay safe:

• Visit a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags. 

• Check the weather forecast, tide times and read local hazard signage to understand local risks. 

• If you fall into the water unexpectedly, FLOAT TO LIVE. Fight your instinct to thrash around, lean back, extend your arms and legs, and Float. 

• In an emergency dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard. 

For the last 25 years, RNLI lifeguards have been making beaches safer. 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.

During that time, they have made more than 48 million preventative actions, attended more than 330,000 incidents and aided more than 440,000 people on beaches around the UK and the Channel Islands.

Peter Dawes, General Manager of Lifeguard Operations, said: ‘Since our lifeguarding service began in 2001, we’ve seen more people visit our beaches and enjoying the water.

‘The launch of this podcast not only marks our 25th anniversary, but also the return of lifeguards to beaches ahead of what will be another busy summer. If you are heading to the coast, be sure to choose an RNLI lifeguarded beach.’

You can listen to We Are Lifeguards at https://rnli.org/WeAreLifeguards or wherever you find your podcasts.  

To find your nearest RNLI lifeguarded beach, visit https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeguarded-beaches.

Notes to editors

• Saul Woodfinden and Richard Wright - Fistral RNLI lifeguards and rescuee (Episode 1)

• Alice Alford Higgins – Lead RNLI Lifeguard Supervisor, Weymouth (Episode 1)

• Jake Elms – Lead RNLI Lifeguard Supervisor, Jersey (Episode 2)

• Athalie Redgrove – RNLI lifeguard, Whitsand Bay (Episode 2)

• Chris Gray – RNLI Area Technical Manager, South West (retired) (Episode 3)

• Alex Gkosime and Josh Richardson – Newquay RNLI lifeguard and rescuee (Episode 3)

• Lewis Timson – Lead RNLI Lifeguard Supervisor, Newquay (Episode 3)

• Ruth Osborne – Rescuee (Episode 4)

• Jo Barclay – Rescuee, Perranporth (2007) (Episode 4)

• Tim Treloar and Jake Butt – RNLI Water Safety Education Manager South West; Lead RNLI Lifeguard Supervisor and volunteer crew, Exmouth (Episode 4)

• Mike Lay – RNLI lifeguard, Sennen Cove; pro surfer (Episode 4)

• Gary Noble – Volunteer fundraiser, Exmouth; rescuee (2009) (Episode 5)

• Holly Bendall – Sculptor; former lifeguard, Holywell (Episode 5)

• Beth Williams – Lead RNLI Lifeguard Supervisor, Ramsgate (Episode 5)