RNLI lifeguards start daily beach patrols in East Suffolk

Between 10am and 6pm, the lifeguards will patrol daily across two designated beaches from 23 May, with the service remaining in operation until Sunday 6 September.

The beaches in East Suffolk that will initially be monitored by RNLI lifeguards are Lowestoft South and Southwold North.

Then, from 11 July, a total of four beaches in East Suffolk will be included in the patrolled beach service as Lowestoft North and Southwold South also join the lifeguarding rota.

The lifeguarding team in the North and East have been working hard to complete vital training and are looking forward to returning to the beaches full time.

RNLI Lead Lifeguard Supervisor, Ted Morgan said: ‘After completing their pre‑season training, our lifeguards are ready and excited to return to the beach. This year marks 25 years of the RNLI lifeguard service, and we’re encouraging everyone to swim between the red and yellow flags so they can enjoy the coast safely.’

Councillor Sarah Whitelock, East Suffolk’s cabinet member for Communities, Culture, Leisure and Tourism, said: ‘Our beautiful beaches are visited by thousands of people each week throughout the summer. We want to ensure that families are safe whilst using our beaches, which is why we are grateful to the RLNI for once again being present at Southwold and Lowestoft beaches during the summer.'

She added: ‘The RLNI’s lifeguarding service is crucial to offering reassurance to visitors, as well as practical help in any emergency situations, and we hope that their presence will allow visitors to relax and fully enjoy the beauty that the Suffolk coast has to offer.’

When visiting the beach this summer remember:

· Visit a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags.

· Keep a close eye on your family - on the beach and in the water - don't allow your family to swim alone.

· If you fall into the water unexpectedly, FLOAT TO LIVE. Find out how here: Float To Live – What To Do In An Emergency – RNLI

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

Notes to editors

· As RNLI lifeguards need to be physically on the beach during the patrolled hours, ready to respond to emergencies and prevent accidents, the RNLI can’t rely on volunteers to provide this cover seven days a week.

· Local authorities part fund the RNLI’s costs, which helps meet the cost of lifeguard wages.

· Throughout 2026, the RNLI is celebrating the 25-year anniversary of the lifeguarding service.

RNLI Media Contacts

RNLI media contacts

For more information, please email Gillian Carmoodie at [email protected] or contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336 789.

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.