Welsh RNLI lifeguard helps design new beach lifeguard units

Beth Morgan (21) is a RNLI beach lifeguard in Bridgend and the Vale of Glamorgan, starting her lifeguarding journey in 2022 at the age of 17. This year, Beth had the opportunity to be part of the team that designed and created the new beach lifeguard units (BLU), rolled out for the 2026 lifeguard season around the UK and Channel Islands.

Growing up in a surf lifesaving community, Beth was always surrounded by the local lifeguards in her area. Beth said:

‘I knew lifeguarding was what I wanted to do when I was older, after being inspired by them at my local beaches. Through dealing with rescues and high stress situations, it has shown me that what we do is crucial in keeping people safe on the beach and in the water. I feel very lucky to have grown up by the sea and have the skills to be able to protect myself and rescue others.’

‘I love being by the sea and looking back, lifeguarding has helped me develop many skills and grow my confidence as I step into a career.’

Beth is a second-year Architectural Engineering student at Loughborough University, and did Product Design at A level. Due to her academic studies, Beth was offered the chance to go to the RNLI College in Poole and work with the in-house design team on the BLU project. Beth said:

‘It was really fun to visit the RNLI College and Support Centre for the first time and meet lots of people from various teams. We started off with a discussion amongst the team before building a 1:1 early-stage prototype, allowing us to physically experience and test the design.

‘With four seasons of lifeguarding under my belt, I knew I had a good perspective that would help design an improved space for lifeguards. I ensured that the new units were suitable for our responsibilities on duty and a comfortable working environment.’

The new BLU has, a more robust structure and improved internal layout, private changing facilities, solar photovoltaic technology powering the unit, heated water without the need for gas bottles and powered running water to sinks, replacing the original manual pump taps.

Beth continued:

‘My favourite part about designing, is getting to work in a team and brainstorm ideas. I like meeting new people so it was really fun to get to know everyone through this opportunity.’

This September, Beth starts a placement with a structural engineering company. She said:

‘I have a big interest in Architecture and learning about ways to combine historical sites with sustainable design.

‘I hope to one day explore new ways of designing sustainable homes and infrastructure that will improve the quality of life for communities in developing countries and hopefully, make a meaningful difference.’

The Bridgend and Vale of Glamorgan Lifeguard Team had one of the new beach lifeguard units installed at Trecco Bay. Beth said:

‘It is really exciting to see the units in action and hear of any further improvements from other lifeguards. It’s special to see something I helped create come to life.

‘We were able to create more space, allowing for a much more organised working area. With the heatwaves we’ve experienced on the beaches this year, it has been ideal to fully test out the new units.’

Beth continued:

‘The windows have provided some much needed ventilation, along with the anti-glare, tinted front window. It’s a common opinion amongst the lifeguards that the new units are a lot cooler and pleasant to work in.

‘It was a great opportunity to open up the design process to everyone and hear different ideas and experiences. It is really promising to see the next phase of units being designed ready for next season.’

Joanna Price, Regional Lifeguard Lead who was also part of the new BLU project, said:

‘Insights from our lifeguards on the ground are so valuable when we’re looking at improving their facilities. They bring a wealth of first-hand knowledge from working on the beaches, but also from their backgrounds outside of lifeguarding – like Beth’s studies.

‘RNLI lifeguards have saved more than 2,000 lives and given help to hundreds of thousands more since the service began in 2001. This year our lifeguard teams have had a very busy summer with the hot weather, the right facilities to help support them in doing their job now and into the future are more important than ever.’

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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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