Thanet RNLI lifeguards celebrate Lifeguard Appreciation Day with raft race

While we see RNLI lifeguards on the beaches every day, performing daily patrol and completing training exercises, it’s the value of teamwork that really allows them to successfully deliver lifesaving moments.

To mark Lifeguard Appreciation Day (July 31), RNLI lifeguards in Thanet celebrated with a fun, friendly raft race, celebrating 25 years of RNLI beach lifeguarding while also building essential teamwork skills.

On Wednesday 22 July, the challenge saw lifeguards divided into four teams and tasked with building a seaworthy raft using only plastic barrels, wooden poles and rope. Once the rafts were built, the teams raced their rafts into the water and paddled out to the turning point, where they collected an RNLI Lifeguarding 25^th anniversary flag.

The teams then had to get their rafts back to shore, making sure to keep the flag dry before hoisting it at the finish line. The fastest team to complete the challenge claimed victory.

Adding to the fun and competition, teams were encouraged to sabotage their rivals, with time penalties applied for any successful interference. Unsurprisingly, every team fell victim to a little friendly sabotage along the way.

While the race provided plenty of fun and excitement, it showed the importance of teamwork, communication and problem-solving skills that RNLI lifeguards rely on every day to work together and to keep beach visitors safe.

Being an RNLI lifeguard means being part of a supportive, welcoming community, building lasting friendships and connecting with people who share a passion for keeping others safe on the coast.

James Ring, Lifeguard Supervisor in Thanet, said: ‘It's been a busy season so far, with the warm weather keeping our lifeguards on their toes. I'm really proud of how the team has worked together throughout the summer, both on patrol and during events like our raft race to celebrate 25 years of lifeguarding. It was a great opportunity to celebrate the teamwork and friendships that make Beach Lifeguarding such a rewarding role.’

2026 marks 25 years of RNLI lifeguarding, a moment to celebrate and reflect on a service that has advanced beach safety across the UK and Ireland. Since 2001 RNLI lifeguards have saved 2,165 lives, aided 459,354 people through water rescue, returning lost children and delivering first aid and casualty care. They have responded to 333,330 incidents and carried out more than 48M preventative actions.

Last year alone, RNLI lifeguards in the South East of England saved 16 lives, responding to 2,567 incidents and assisting 2,843 people.

As the main beach season is underway, 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 further information, please contact:

Kate Barkley, RNLI Communications Staff Member for RNLI, [email protected]

RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789, [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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