RNLI lifeguards return to Somerset beaches as summer season begins

RNLI lifeguards in Somerset have spent the last month pre-season training, which has included essential skills in casualty care, fitness testing, and lifesaving skills in and out of the water to be ready to return to beaches.

Their return follows a busy and varied summer last year, during which Somerset RNLI lifeguards responded to 74 incidents. This included 38 rescues and assists, 31 first aid treatments, and a total of 108 people aided, highlighting the important role RNLI lifeguards play in keeping beachgoers safe.

At Brean last season they assisted five people who had been cut off by the rapidly incoming tide. On Burnham-on-Sea’s estuary bar, six individuals were helped back to safety after becoming stranded at low tide in an area known for its shifting sands and strong currents. Teams also rescued a young child who became stuck in mud on Burnham’s main beach.

The RNLI works in partnership with local authorities and private beach owners each year to set up and roll out a lifeguard service, at their request.

2026 also marks 25 years of the RNLI lifeguard service. Since 2001, RNLI lifeguards in the south west have saved 1,098 lives and aided 167,592 people through rescues, interventions and delivering casualty care. Over the last 25 years they have responded to 185,954 incidents and carried out more than 22M preventative actions.

Somerset’s coastline is known for having one of the largest tidal ranges in the world, as well as areas of soft mud and fast-moving water, making RNLI lifeguard presence especially important during the summer months when visitor numbers increase.

RNLI lifeguard supervisor, Brett Schofield said:

‘Our lifeguards have been preparing over recent weeks with refresher training and inductions to ensure they’re fully ready for the season ahead. They’re looking forward to returning to the beaches and getting back to what they do best — keeping people safe, offering advice and providing a professional lifesaving service.

‘We’re grateful to Somerset Council for their continued support in making this service possible during the peak summer period, working alongside beach wardens to help protect everyone enjoying the coast.

‘We want visitors to have a great time by the sea, but safety should always come first. We strongly encourage people to choose lifeguarded beaches, take note of the flags and signage, and listen to the guidance our teams provide. At Burnham-On-Sea and Brean in particular, the significant tidal range can quickly reveal deep mud and soft sand, making it unsafe to try and reach the water at certain times of day.’

The RNLI’s lifeguards remain a reassuring presence throughout the summer, helping ensure that everyone can enjoy Somerset’s coastline safely.