Tyne and Wear RNLI lifeguards offer peace of mind to beachgoers
Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) lifeguards will be returning to beaches in Tyne and Wear to offer a reassuring presence during the Spring Bank Holiday weekend (from Saturday 24 May). *
The charity’s lifeguards will be at their posts from 10am to 6pm. The daily service will operate until Sunday 4 September.
95% of the role is preventative and the teams have completed a period of extensive training. This ensures that every RNLI lifeguard has the vital skill set to enable them to deal with everything from locating missing children through to performing major first-aid and lifesaving rescues.
RNLI Lifeguard Supervisor, Sean Mills, said: ‘Following a stringent training programme our charity’s lifeguards are in peak condition and they’re really looking forward to returning to their posts. Come rain or shine we’ll be there to offer friendly safety advice such as always to swim between the red and yellow flags and information on tide times.
‘We always advise people to visit a lifeguarded beach. It’s great to see visitors enjoying the coast with the extra peace of mind of knowing that we are there should they need us.’
North Tyneside’s Elected Mayor, Karen Clark, said: ‘We’re expecting another busy summer at our award-winning coastline, and the safety of everyone who lives in or visits North Tyneside is our top priority. We’re pleased to welcome back the RNLI lifeguards, whose presence offers peace of mind to beachgoers. We’d encourage everyone to enjoy the coast responsibly and follow the safety advice in place.’
Councillor Ernest Gibson, Lead Member for Neighbourhoods and Climate Change at South Tyneside Council, said: ‘We pride ourselves on the standards of our beaches and the services they provide for the thousands of visitors they receive every year.
‘Our partnership with the RNLI recognises our commitment to delivering first class beach and water safety and we are delighted to welcome them back this year. The summer lifeguard patrols also enhance the offer at Sandhaven, which was recently awarded a Seaside Award. This means visitors can be confident the beach is not only as safe as can be but maintained to the highest standards.
“While we want people to have a great time at our coastline, we would always urge visitors to treat these areas with the greatest respect, to think about water safety at all times and follow the advice available.’
The RNLI runs the lifeguard service in partnership with the local councils*.
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
To learn more about RNLI lifeguarded beaches visit: RNLI Lifeguards In The UK And Channel Islands
Notes to editors
*RNLI lifeguards will operate their seasonal patrols on the following beaches: Whitley Bay North and South, Cullercoats, King Edwards Bay, Longsands South, Sandhaven, Mowbray, Seaburn, Cats and Dogs and Roker.
Longsands North - the lifeguarding service won’t start until 19 July, there will then be daily patrols until 7 September.
* As RNLI lifeguards need to be physically on the beach during the patrolled hours, ready to respond to emergencies and prevent accidents, the RNLI can’t rely on volunteers to provide this cover seven days a week.
Local authorities part fund the RNLI’s costs, which helps to meet the cost of lifeguard wages.
RNLI Media contacts for more information please telephone Jess Curtis, RNLI Media Engagement placement North and East. Volunteer Press Officer Wells RNLI on 07483488243 or [email protected] contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,000 lives.
Learn more about the RNLI
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.
Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.