RNLI Lifeguards set for main season at Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole

From Saturday 23 May, a further six beaches across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole will return to service, including: Branksome, Alum Chine, Durley Chine, Boscombe West, Fishermans Walk and Southbourne. These beaches will remain in service until 06 September.

RNLI beach lifeguards will patrol seven days a week between 10am and 6pm. Below are the service dates for all beaches across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole that are now operating with RNLI lifeguards.

· Sandbanks: 28 March – 27 September

· Branksome: 23 May – 06 September

· Alum Chine: 23 May – 06 September

· Durley Chine: 23 May – 06 September

· Bournemouth East: 28 March – 27 September

· Bournemouth West: 28 March – 27 September

· Boscombe East: 28 March – 27 September

· Boscombe West: 23 May – 06 September

· Fisherman’s Walk: 23 May – 06 September

· Southbourne: 23 May – 06 September

Please note that Shore Road, East Cliff, Manor Steps and Avon Beach beaches will begin operating later, from July 18.

RNLI lifeguards have been keeping our beaches safer since 2001. Bournemouth beach was one of the original pilot locations in 2001, marking this year it’s 25 anniversary of the RNLI beach lifeguard service.

In Bournemouth and Poole across the last 25 years, RNLI lifeguards have saved 188 lives, aided 47, 314 people and responded to 45, 706 incidents. Last year alone, RNLI lifeguards saved 16 lives across the South East of England, responding to 2,567 incidents and assisting 2,843 people.

Kester Sheppard, Lead Lifeguard Supervisor for East Dorset, said: ‘Our lifeguards have been training hard over the last couple of weeks in preparation for the season to come. They are looking forward to returning to the beaches, doing what they love, offering safety advice and helping people so that they enjoy their day and go home safely.’

'If you are heading to the beaches in the coming weeks, head to a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags. Speak to our lifeguards for advice and information on the local beach environment including tides, sea state and weather conditions.'

‘It’s important to remember that the water is still cold, and we ask everyone to be prepared for whatever water activity you have planned by always carrying a means of calling for help and checking the weather forecast and local hazard signage to understand local risks.’

Kester adds: ‘This year we are proud to celebrate our 25 anniversary of RNLI beach lifeguards and we thank all those whose commitment, training and hard work have helped to keep our beaches safer.’

Richard Herrett, Portfolio Holder for Destination, Leisure and Commercial Operations at Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council, said: ‘We’re delighted to welcome RNLI lifeguards back to Bournemouth’s beaches for the start of the season.

‘Bournemouth was proud to be one of the original pilot locations for RNLI beach lifeguards in 2001, and their contribution, over the past 25 years, to helping people to stay safe on our beaches has been absolutely invaluable.

‘We want all our residents and visitors to enjoy our coastline with confidence and so encourage everyone to choose a lifeguarded beach and follow the guidance in place.’

The RNLI is urging anyone visiting the coast this Easter 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.

Across the South East, the RNLI provides lifeguard services across beaches in Dorset, Hampshire, Sussex and Kent. To find your nearest lifeguarded beach, service dates and operating times, find out here: https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeguarded-beaches.

-Ends-

Notes to editor:

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

More information on where to find lifeguards across BCP beaches, plus information on where you can swim in safety. Lifeguards and beach safety | BCP (bcpcouncil.gov.uk)

Beach guidelines: Beach guidelines | BCP (bcpcouncil.gov.uk)

RNLI Media Contacts

RNLI media contacts

For further information, please contact:

Kate Barkley, RNLI Communications Staff Member for South East, [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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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.