RNLI lifeguards return for 2024 summer season this weekend (Saturday 25 May). It is expected that the beaches will see large numbers of people heading to the coast as the school summer half-term begins, the RNLI urges people to go to a lifeguarded beach if they plan on getting in the water.
The charity’s lifeguards are ready to go this season as they have spent their time honing their skills, training, and preparing for the summer season. This season there will be 80 lifeguards in Tyne and Wear, 82 lifeguards in Yorkshire, 20 lifeguards in Lincolnshire and 80 more will be patrolling Norfolk and Suffolk beaches. Throughout last year there were 1049 incidents across the North and East lifeguarded beaches, and over 1300 people were aided. This season will be as crucial as the previous years, yet the 2024 season also holds a historical importance as the charity celebrates its 200th anniversary.
Lifeguarded beaches will be operational from Saturday 25 May, 10am to 6pm every day. Lifesaving cover will commence at the following beaches from Saturday 6 July: Runswick Bay, Sandsend*, Cayton Bay*, Belvedere*, Bridlington North*, Bridlington South*, Withernsea, Hornsea, Sheringham East, West Runton, East Runton, Cromer West, Hemsby, Great Yarmouth, Southwold South, Lowestoft North, Wells-next-the-Sea.
Sutton on Sea beach will be operational on Saturday 13 July, and Redcar lifeguards will commence duties on Saturday 20 July. All lifeguards pride themselves in being fit and as prepared as possible to keep beach users safe each summer. They maintain a level of fitness, which allows them to swim in under 3.5 minutes, and run 200m on sand in 40 seconds. Training is an important ongoing factor for lifeguards, from fitness to operating the equipment and professional development.
Ted Morgan, RNLI Lead Lifeguard Supervisor for East of England, said: ‘During pre-season training lifeguards are trained in casualty care, lifesaving skills, rescue techniques and incident management.
‘Our lifeguards also complete multi-agency exercises working with HM Coastguard, East England Ambulance Service and RNLI and independent lifeboat stations.’
It comes in the same week that the RNLI launched its annual Float to Live, water safety campaign, which shows people the technique to use to saves their own lives if they get into trouble in the water.
Ahead of the busy half term holidays it has been revealed that 83% of the UK adult population (aged 16-64) expect to visit the coast this summer, and 40% expect to go three times or more. Rivers and lakes will also be popular.
The Float to Live advice is: Tilt your head back with ears submerged and try to relax and control your breathing. Use your hands to help you stay afloat and then, once you are through the initial shock, call for help or swim to safety if you can.
If you see somebody in trouble, call 999 and ask for the coastguard if you are at the coast, or ask for the fire service if you are inland.
