Swanage Beach Welcomes the Return of RNLI Lifeguard Service

From Saturday 23 May to Sunday 06 September, RNLI beach lifeguards will provide daily patrol at Swanage beach, operating seven days a week between 10am and 6pm.

RNLI lifeguard services will also be in place across several beaches in East Dorset. To find your nearest lifeguarded beach, along with full service dates and operating times, visit: https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeguarded-beaches.

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.

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.’

Swanage ward member for Dorset Council, Cllr Chris Tomes, said: ‘We’re delighted to welcome the return of RNLI lifeguards to Swanage Beach for another season. Their expertise and dedication play a vital role in keeping both residents and visitors safe, and we’re proud to work in partnership with the RNLI to support a safe and enjoyable coastline for everyone.’

The RNLI is urging anyone visiting the coast this summer 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.

-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.