The coast is a wonderful place to be, but the sea can be dangerous and unpredictable. If you’re heading to the coast, take a look at our advice and tips to help you have fun and stay safe.
Stay safe
About RNLI beach lifeguards
If you're looking to keep you and your family safe at the seaside this summer, then you should choose a lifeguarded beach
The RNLI beach lifeguard service has been keeping people safer since 2001. Highly trained and equipped with the best lifesaving gear, RNLI beach lifeguards are ready to help you in an emergency. But it's not just during the summer. All-year round, the RNLI lifeguard team are working to make visiting the beach safer for everyone.
Find your nearest lifeguarded beach
RNLI beach lifeguards are patrolling beaches across England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands this summer, ready to keep you and your loved ones safe.
Find out more about lifeguards
Explore the work, training and history of the RNLI's beach lifeguard service
How do we keep beaches safe?
Find out how RNLI beach lifeguards are working to keep you and your family safe at the beach.
Meet the team saving lives on the beach
Hear from some of the lifeguards who will be patrolling the beach and keeping people safe this summer.
History of RNLI beach lifeguards
Take a look back at some of the milestones in the RNLI beach lifeguard service and watch recreations of famous gallantry medal-winning rescues.
'RNLI beach lifeguards saved my life'
Read some of the dramatic rescue stories involving RNLI beach lifeguards and discover the difference they make to those they rescue
238 beaches patrolled in 2024
1,568 beach lifeguards on patrol
17,068 total number of people aided
85 total number of lives saved
History of the lifeguard service
Take a look back through our beach lifesaving history. Read more about the significant events in the lifeguard service, memorable rescues, and key milestones that have taken place since we started patrolling beaches in 2001.
Lifeguard rescue stories
Find out more
Heading to the beach and want to stay safe? Learn about the different safety signage and flags you'll see on display at the beach, so you know where's safe to swim this summer.
Find out more
If you are heading to the coast, choose a lifeguarded beach. Find the nearest one you so you can stay safe and have fun at the coast this summer.
Find your nearest
It's easier than you think to get into trouble in the water. Get to grips with the common risk factors and find out how to minimise them.
Learn how to stay safe