This weekend red and yellow flags fly again at Littlehampton East beach

Between the 02 May to 17 May, RNLI beach lifeguards will patrol Littlehampton East beach on weekends, before moving to a full daily service on the 23 May until 06 September. They will be operating seven days a week between 10am and 6pm. RNLI lifeguards will also return service to Bognor Regis beach later in the season, starting on 11 July.

If you’d like to find your nearest lifeguarded beach, service dates and operating times, find out here: https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeguarded-beaches.  

Year on year the RNLI’s lifeguard service has grown through working closely with partners with over 245 beaches across the UK and Channel Islands being patrolled, meaning it’s the largest lifeguard service provider in the UK.

RNLI lifeguards have been keeping our beaches safer since 2001 and this year the RNLI are celebrating its 25-year anniversary of beach lifesaving service. Figures show that in 2025, RNLI lifeguards saved 16 lives across the South East of England, responding to 2,567 incidents and assisting 2,843 people.

Behind the scenes, the charity’s lifeguards have been training hard over the last couple months. Every lifeguard must undergo strict fitness tests including a 200m beach in under 40 seconds and a 400m pool swim in under 7 ½ minutes, as well as completing casualty care courses. This training ensures they’re ready to offer preventative advice and deliver an excellent lifesaving service all summer long. 

Sydney Horsted, Lead Lifeguard Supervisor for Hampshire and West Sussex, said: ’We are really looking forward to getting back onto the beach at Littlehampton this weekend. We have been hard at work over the Easter holidays getting lifeguards ready for the upcoming season. Lifeguards have been busy doing their annual training which includes beach lifeguard rescue skills, casualty care first aid, Inshore Rescue Boat (IRB) and All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) skills.

‘Some of our lifeguards have also been delivering water safety workshops in London schools, giving primary school children invaluable beach safety knowledge for the summer ahead.

‘2026 will see the RNLI Lifeguards celebrate 25 years of lifeguarding and safer beaches. When visiting Littlehampton beach, it is essential to listen to lifeguard safety advice and swim between the red and yellow flags.

‘The River Arun flows in and out of the beach and it can be hazardous, catching even the strongest swimmers off-guard. We would always encourage any new visitors to have a quick chat to our friendly lifeguards to find out more about local safety advice.’    

Arun District Council said: ‘We are pleased to welcome RNLI beach lifeguards back to Littlehampton East and Bognor Regis beaches, ahead of what we expect to be a busy summer season. Their presence plays a vital role in keeping residents and visitors safe and helps ensure everyone can enjoy our coastline with confidence.

‘Littlehampton and Bognor Regis are popular destinations for family days out, and the return of lifeguarded services gives parents and carers added reassurance when enjoying the beach with children.

‘We encourage everyone heading to the beach to follow lifeguard advice, swim between the red and yellow flags, and take particular care around the River Arun, which can present hidden dangers. Working alongside the RNLI, we remain committed to promoting water safety across the district.’

Littlehampton East is a large, predominantly shingle beach. With a theme park and fair nearby, making it a popular beach for families. The RNLI is urging anyone visiting the coast this summer to make sure they keep themselves and their families safe by being water smart and following their beach safety advice.  

• 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.  

• For activities like paddleboarding or kayaking we recommend you wear a wetsuit, buoyancy aid or lifejacket and carry a means of calling for help in a waterproof pouch and keep it on you. Tell someone what you are doing, where you are going and when you expect to return.  

• If you are going open water swimming, use a wetsuit to keep you warm, wear a bright coloured swim hat and take a tow float to store personal items including a phone for emergencies.  

• 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.  

-Ends-  

Notes to editor:  

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

RNLI media contacts  
For more information please contact Kate Barkley, Communications Placement – South East on [email protected]. Alternatively, please contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789 or [email protected]. 

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.

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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.