RNLI lifeguards start daily beach patrols in North Norfolk
Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) lifeguards will soon return to beaches in North Norfolk to offer a reassuring presence during the Spring Bank Holiday weekend (from Saturday 23 May).
From 23 May, between 10am and 6pm, the lifeguards will initially patrol four designated beaches in North Norfolk. These include Cromer East, Mundesley, Sea Palling and Sheringham West. These beaches will be patrolled daily until Saturday 12 September.
Then, from 11 July, a total of nine beaches will comprise the patrolled beach service in North Norfolk as Cromer West, East Runton, West Runton, Sheringham East and Wells-next-the-Sea join the lifeguarding rota. These later beaches will be patrolled daily until Sunday 6 September.
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 Liz Withington, portfolio holder for Community, Leisure and Outreach at North Norfolk District Council said: ‘We are hugely grateful to have so many beautiful beaches in North Norfolk, and even more so to have nine patrolled by the incredible RNLI lifeguards. The lifeguards provide a vital service in helping to keep residents and visitors safe along our beaches during the summer months. Through the Water Safety Forum, the Council is pleased to work with the RNLI lifeguards to educate residents and visitors about water safety and advocate for visiting our beaches safely to prevent incidents in the water.’
She added: ‘We are happy to welcome the lifeguards back this weekend in what will mark the 25th year of the RNLI lifeguarding service.’
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 online
For more information, please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the RNLI News Centre.
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.
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.
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.