Next month lifeguard cover at many Thanet beaches will be stepped up to cover seven days a week.
From Saturday 25 May, many beaches across the south east coast have had RNLI lifeguard cover return for the summer season. Some of the busier beaches have been lifeguarded on weekends since the Easter holidays, but as 75% of all lifeguard incidents occur during the summer months, during this period many RNLI Lifeguards will be on daily service from 10am-6pm.
The RNLI works in partnership with councils and private beach owners each year to keep beachgoers safe.
Figures from the RNLI reveal that in 2023, RNLI lifeguards saved 14 lives, as well as dealing with over 2,000 incidents and assisting nearly 2,500 people in the south east of England alone.
From Saturday 13 July until Sunday 1 September, RNLI Lifeguards will be on duty seven days a week from 10am to 6pm at the following beaches in Thanet:
Birchington:
- Minnis Bay
Westgate-on-Sea
- West Bay
- St Mildred’s Bay
Margate:
- Westbrook Bay
- Margate Main Sands
Broadstairs:
- Botany Bay
- Joss Bay
- Stone Bay
- Viking Bay
Ramsgate:
- Ramsgate Main Sands
Ed Stevens, Regional Lifeguard Lead for the south east,said: ‘Our lifeguards have spent the last few weeks going through their inductions and training hard in preparation for the season ahead. They are excited to be back on the beaches doing what they do best, offering preventative advice and an excellent lifesaving service.”
Tony Marmo, Head of Coastal and Public Realm at Thanet District Council said: “Ensuring the safety of the many local people and visitors who enjoy our beaches every year is of the utmost importance. In Thanet, we have been working in partnership with RNLI since 2012 and their lifeguard provision is a key part of this, each summer.
“I would encourage anyone who visits any of our lifeguarded beaches to familiarise themselves with the beach flags and safety information and the location of the lifeguard station at the start of their day and to listen to any instructions the lifeguards might issue.”
Ed Stevens added: “It’s important to remember that the water is still cold and we’d ask everyone to be prepared for whatever water activity you have planned by always having a means of calling for help and checking the weather forecast and local hazard signage to understand local risks.”
When visiting the beach this summer remember:
- Visit a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags
- Keep a close eye on your family – on the beach and in the water – don’t allow your family to swim alone.
- If you fall into the water unexpectedly, FLOAT TO LIVE. Find out how here: Float To Live – What To Do In An Emergency – RNLI