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RNLI lifeguards start daily beach patrols in the East Riding

Lifeguards News Release

Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) lifeguards will soon return to beaches in the East Riding of Yorkshire to offer a reassuring presence during the Spring Bank Holiday weekend (from Saturday 2 May).

A RNLI lifeguard rides the surf upon a yellow rescue board. The lifeguard is viewed from behind and he is propped up - from the waist upwards - against the rescue board as he looks out to sea.

RNLI/Peter Hancock

A RNLI lifeguard takes to the surf while on beach patrol

Between 10am and 6pm, the lifeguards will initially patrol three nominated beaches in the area over the first three weekends in May. The service will then subsequently expand to a daily service, remaining in operation until Sunday 6 September.

The beaches in the East Riding of Yorkshire that will be monitored by RNLI lifeguards are Belvedere, Bridlington North and Bridlington South.

From 4 July, the patrolled service will also cover beaches at Withernsea and Hornsea, ensuring local communities are kept safe across five of the beaches in the East Riding.

Throughout the North and East of England, the RNLI lifeguarding team have been working hard to complete vital training and are looking forward to returning to the beaches full time.

RNLI Lead Lifeguard Supervisor, Andrew Jamieson said: ‘We always advise people to visit a lifeguarded beach and to swim between the red and yellow flags. This year sees the RNLI lifeguarding service welcome in its 25-year anniversary, and we are thrilled to patrol several beaches in the East Riding of Yorkshire as this important milestone is celebrated. It is great to see visitors enjoying the coast with the extra peace of mind of knowing that we are there should they need us.’

Councillor Lyn Healing, East Riding of Yorkshire Council cabinet member for communities and public protection, said: ‘The RNLI Lifeguards are always a welcome sight on our busiest beaches in the East Riding, and I’m delighted to welcome them back once again.’

‘They provide a vital service to our residents and visitors – offering safety, reassurance, advice and first aid, as well as crucial help in the event of emergencies if they are needed.’

She added: ‘The RNLI lifeguards give a big boost to public confidence in the safety of Bridlington’s beaches and that shows support for the town’s tourism industry.’

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

To learn more about RNLI lifeguarded beaches visit: RNLI Lifeguards In The UK And Channel Islands

RNLI notes to editors

As RNLI lifeguards need to be physically on the beach during the patrolled hours, ready to respond to emergencies and prevent accidents, the RNLI can’t rely on volunteers to provide this cover seven days a week.

Local authorities part fund the RNLI’s costs, which helps to meet the cost of lifeguard wages.

Throughout 2026, the RNLI is celebrating the 25-year anniversary of the lifeguarding service.

RNLI media contacts

For more information, please contact Gillian Carmoodie, Communications Placement North and East: [email protected] or contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336 789.

A banner with the wording 'Lifeguard Training' upon it has been fixed into place on a beach. In the background - where the shore meets the sea - a lifeguard watercraft is on standby.

RNLI/Lauren Wright

Lifeguard training has been underway before beach patrols start in the East Riding of Yorkshire on 2 May
A RNLI lifeguard observes beach goers through binoculars from behind a railing overlooking the coast. The weather is dry and sunny.

RNLI/Victoria Tooley Blast! Films

RNLI lifeguards will soon be on beach patrol throughout the East Riding

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI is the charity that 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 146,700 lives.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, 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.