RNLI Lifeguards set to return service to Thanet beaches

From Saturday 23 May, RNLI beach lifeguards will return service to Thanet beaches. They will operate between 10am and 6pm. Below are the current Thanet beaches scheduled for lifeguard cover, along with their service dates:

Ramsgate, Westbrook Bay, Stone Bay, Minnis Bay:

Weekends and Bank Holidays Only: 23 May – 12 July

Daily: 18 July – 06 September

Joss Bay and Botany Bay:

Daily: 23 May – 06 September

Margate Main, Broadstairs (Viking Bay):

Daily: 23 May – 06 September

Weekends Only: 12 September – 27 September

Please note that RNLI lifeguards will return service to St Mildreds and West Bay beaches later in the season, from 18 July to 06 September.

RNLI lifeguards have been keeping our beaches safer since 2001, providing critical support to coastal communities and their visitors, and delivering world class lifesaving. This year marks the 25-year anniversary of RNLI beach lifeguards.

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.

The RNLI is a charity that depends on donations to fund the lifeguards’ kit and training. Before a lifeguard sets foot on a beach, they take part in months of training. From a rigorous fitness test to learning vital casualty care skills, it takes a lot of hard work, dedication and commitment in order to save lives at the beach.

Beth Williams, Lead Lifeguard Supervisor for Thanet, 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.’

'With the upcoming Bank Holiday and May half term, we encourage those heading to the beach to choose a lifeguarded beach and to 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.'

‘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.’

Beth 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.’

Councillor Steve Albon, Cabinet Member for Cleansing and Coastal Services at Thanet District Council said: ‘We’re delighted to welcome the RNLI lifeguards back to our beautiful beaches this summer. Our long-standing partnership with the RNLI is vital, and as they celebrate their 25th anniversary of beach lifeguarding this year, we’re reminded of just how much they contribute to our community.

‘Last year alone, RNLI lifeguards saved 16 lives across the South East. It’s a sobering reminder of why their presence is so essential. I urge everyone heading to our sands this summer to choose a lifeguarded beach and always swim between the red and yellow flags. The water is still very cold at this time of year, so please take a moment to read the safety signs and speak to the lifeguards. They are there to ensure everyone has a fantastic day and returns home safely.’

The RNLI is urging anyone visiting the coast 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, visit: 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

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.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

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.