Add a splash of red-and-yellow for Lifeguard Appreciation Day
31 July marks International Lifeguard Appreciation Day. On this day, everyone across the RNLI is invited to come together to show their support for our lifeguards, and the work they do keeping our beaches safer. Add a splash of red-and-yellow to your day, and share your support online with the hashtag #LoveYourLifeguard
2026 marks the 25th anniversary of RNLI lifeguards keeping people safer at the seaside. Our lifeguards began patrolling beaches in 2001 and are now keeping watch on over 245 beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. In that time, lifeguards have carried out over 48M preventative actions, aided over 440,000 people, attended over 330,000 incidents and saved over 2000 lives.
There is no one date in 2001 that marks the start of the service, which is why, on International Lifeguard Appreciation Day, 31 July, volunteers, staff and the whole of our RNLI community are invited to celebrate lifeguards together. This is your opportunity to share your support for the incredible work lifeguards do every year, whether they are our own RNLI lifeguards, independent lifeguards at the swimming pool, beach or lifesaving club, or our international lifesaving partners.
Lifeguards are often the first point of contact that many people have with the RNLI, helping people not only in their local communities, but also those who travel for a holiday, to see family, or go to the beach on a day trip.
How to get involved
To get involved and show your support for lifeguards all you need to do is add a splash of red and yellow to your day and share a photo on social media with the hashtag #LoveYourLifeguard.
You could: fly the lifeguard 25 anniversary flag; wear something red and yellow; organise a lifeguard themed bucket collection; host a sandcastle competition; wear your Lifeguard 25th anniversary lanyard; or hold a lifeguard themed bake sale. These are just a few suggestions, how you decide to get involved is completely up to you.
Available resources
There are a host of materials available to help put your event together. These resources are available to add a lifeguard twist to any event you might be hosting this year.
Check out the Lifeguard 25th Fundraising Guide for handy tips on organising an event, ideas on different events to run, and a useful guide for planning the event.
Have a look at the resources available for volunteers. These downloadable resources are a great way to add lifeguard branding into your plans.
You can also order Lifeguard 25th materials from MyStore, including bunting, handout flags, colouring sheets and posters. You can find the collection on MyStore. If you don’t have access to the site, then check within your community to find out who has access or ask your local Community Manager.
We are Lifeguards Podcast
If you haven’t already, why not check out our latest podcast. We Are Lifeguards is a series that takes a closer look at what it’s like to keep people safe at the seaside. Across five episodes, we explore the different aspects of lifeguarding, from the equipment lifeguards use and the training they do, to how every beach poses its own challenge. If you love a podcast, or know someone who does, this is a great way to learn more about the role lifeguards play on the coast.
The full series is now available wherever you get your podcasts.
Remember, once you have taken your picture on 31 July, use the hashtag #LoveYourLifeguard and share it with your online community via social media.
RNLI lifeguards have been patrolling the beaches for 25 years. With your help, they will be ready for many more.