History of RNLI beach lifeguards

The RNLI launches a pilot scheme exploring the possibility of RNLI lifeguard patrols.

The first beach patrols began. In the first year alone, lifeguards aided over 3,000 people and saved 20 lives.

Lifeguard Mark Johnson was awarded the Thanks of the Institution inscribed on Vellum after saving the life of a 41-year-old man who was being washed out to sea in huge surf off Mawgan Porth Beach, Newquay.

When the 2002 season ended, almost 6,995 more people had been assisted by RNLI beach lifeguards.

Senior Lifeguard Rod MacDonald was awarded a Bronze Medal for a daring rescue on Fistral Beach, Cornwall, after the season had ended.

Perranporth rescue in September 2006, where four lifeguards saved a man’s life in a daring rescue. Sophie Grant-Crookston (pictured) was awarded the RNLI's Bronze Medal for Gallantry in 2007. The lifeguards were also given Heroes of the Surf awards by Surf Life Saving Great Britain.

Chris Boundy and John Dugard from Trebarwith Strand in Cornwall both received the RNLI’s Silver medal for gallantry for the rescue of man who was found face down in the water, but after lifeguards gave emergency casualty care he made a full recovery and returned to the beach to thank them.

In October, a naming ceremony was held for A-01, the RNLI’s first inshore rescue boat (IRB). The IRB went on service in 2001 during the pilot year for Beach Rescue and was named John Broad after the first-ever RNLI lifeguard inspector, John Broad, who retired in 2009.

Patrols begin in Northern Ireland and Jersey.

Sharing skills internationally

Since 2012 we’ve been working with SeaSafe, a CIPRB initiative in Bangladesh, to build a lifeguarding and community safety service for the beaches at Cox’s Bazar.

Lifeguards provided additional services during the Olympics and Paralympics and a team of 10 lifeguards provided daily cover on the River Serpentine for a variety of training and athletic events.

Trial of RNLI Community Lifesaving Equipment Scheme

The RNLI Community Lifesaving Equipment Pilot Scheme was developed by RNLI lifeguards and the RNLI Community Safety Team as a way of providing out-of-hours lifesaving cover on beaches.

Lifeguards took extra precautions so they could continue patrolling during the COVID pandemic.

Lifeguards Vittoria Farmer and Alex Ashen awarded Bronze Medals for Gallantry, and Theresa Morokutti receives a framed Letter of Thanks, as all three are recognised for their bravery when saving a man’s life.