As the sun begins to shine brighter, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) is gearing up for what they anticipate will be an exceptionally busy beach season. Following a remarkable increase in the number of individuals requiring assistance, lifeguards are preparing to meet the needs of beachgoers across the UK and Channel Islands. In 2025, RNLI lifeguards aided over 35,000 people—a staggering rise from around 18,000 in the previous two years. The charity attributes this surge to a combination of favourable weather and a growing enthusiasm for coastal activities.
A Changing Landscape for Lifeguards
Peter Dawes, the RNLI’s general manager, highlighted the fluctuating nature of beach attendance, noting, “The statistics vary each year depending on the weather. Last year, with the bulk of summer being reasonably good, a lot of people went to the beach.” This year, the RNLI is preparing for an influx of visitors who may be opting for domestic holidays due to the rising cost of living and global uncertainties.
Launched in 2001, the RNLI’s lifeguard programme has expanded significantly, now covering almost 250 beaches. Dawes explained the importance of continually assessing risks on the shoreline, especially as more people choose to interact with the sea. “We constantly assess the risks on our beaches,” he remarked, “but part of that is how people are going to interact with the beaches. You have to be prepared.”
Lifeguards: More Than Just Rescuers
Over its 25-year history, the RNLI has saved 2,165 lives and assisted nearly half a million individuals. Their responsibilities extend beyond mere rescues; they include returning lost children, providing first aid, and offering crucial safety advice. In total, they have responded to 333,330 incidents and conducted over 48 million preventive actions, such as advising swimmers to steer clear of rip currents.
Lewis Timson, a lifeguard supervisor based in Newquay, Cornwall, has witnessed a paradigm shift in the role of lifeguards. “Twenty years ago, you’d be putting the flags up and monitoring, but you’d probably be doing a lot more rescues and not quite so much of the proactive stuff,” he shared. The emphasis now lies heavily on prevention, with lifeguards working diligently to ensure that beachgoers remain safe.
The rise in popularity of water sports, such as coasteering and paddleboarding, has also contributed to the changing landscape. “People find new and different ways of potentially getting in trouble,” Timson noted, “and we have to find new and different ways of supporting them.”
Lifeguard Training: A Commitment to Safety
As lifeguards undergo pre-season training, the commitment to safety and preparedness is palpable. Alice Alford-Higgins, a lead lifeguard supervisor, is among those ensuring that her team is ready for the challenges that lie ahead. “Training is vital,” she explained, “because it equips us with the skills to handle a variety of situations—whether it’s a rescue or providing first aid.”
Familiarity with local conditions and potential hazards is key, and lifeguards will be stationed on 39 beaches this Easter weekend, with numbers set to increase as summer approaches. The RNLI’s proactive approach to safety, coupled with their unwavering dedication, aims to create a safer environment for all beachgoers.
Why it Matters
The RNLI’s commitment to beach safety is significant, particularly in a time when more families may choose to holiday closer to home. With the pressures of rising living costs and uncertain travel conditions, the emphasis on domestic seaside experiences is likely to grow. Understanding the role of lifeguards as not just responders, but as educators and preventers of accidents is crucial. Their efforts save lives and ensure that our beaches remain safe havens for everyone, reinforcing the vital importance of community safety in an ever-changing world.
