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Supporting our lifeguards on their patrols

As the RNLI’s lifeguard service reaches 25 years of keeping beach visitors safer each summer, we are pleased to share an update on new equipment and facilities being provided to support them in their lifesaving role.

RNLI beach lifeguard unit.

Photo: RNLI

New beach lifeguard units

Fifteen next-generation, solar-powered beach lifeguard units have been developed in close collaboration with our lifeguards, ensuring their requirements have been central throughout the design and build process.

New features of the unit include:

  • Heated running water
  • A more robust structure and improved internal layout 
  • Provision for private changing facilities
  • Improved solar glare and better security
  • Improved ventilation

Involving lifeguards at every stage has ensured these units are designed around their operational and welfare requirements, supporting both their work on the beach and their wellbeing.Cesar Mateus, Senior RNLI Lifeguard in Bournemouth and Poole, said:

‘The new units are a big improvement – they’re watertight, the windows can open, and the inside stays properly weatherproof. Having a more reliable, efficient kettle is really helpful too, especially when we’re treating weaver fish stings. The PA system’s better as well – it’s louder and clearer, so we can get important messages out to the public much more easily.'

Earplugs

We have introduced new ear protection for all RNLI lifeguards to help reduce the risk of common conditions such as exostosis (Surfer’s Ear) and otitis externa (Swimmer’s Ear).

Regular exposure to cold wind and water can impact the ear canal, sometimes causing irritation, discomfort and, in some cases, temporary hearing loss. We recognise that lifeguards spend much of their leisure time in, on and around the water as well as lifeguarding so providing suitable protection is an important step in supporting lifeguard health and wellbeing.

Cesar Mateus continued:

‘These are vital for protecting lifeguards and anyone who spends significant time in open water, helping to prevent water from becoming trapped in the ear and reducing the risk of earache. They have quickly become an essential part of our PPE.’

Want to find out more?

If you want to find out more about the kit and equipment our lifeguards need to keep visitors safer on the beach, tune into episode 3 of the ‘We are lifeguards’ podcast.

Listen now wherever you get your podcasts.

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