Scotland’s Lifeguarded Beaches Open in Time for Latest Heatwave

The RNLI has seven lifeguarded beaches in Scotland: Aberdour Silver Sands, Burntisland, Leven, St Andrews East Sands, St Andrews West Sands, Elie Harbour and Coldingham Bay. These beaches are patrolled by RNLI lifeguards every day of the week from 10am to 6pm. RNLI lifeguards are on hand to offer advice for staying safe whilst using the beaches and are, of course, available to help should anybody find themselves in difficulty.

Last year RNLI lifeguards attended 207 incidents on Scottish beaches from minor first aid requests to assisting those in distress in the water. RNLI lifeguards suggest that everyone swim between the red and yellow flags which mark the lifeguard patrolled zone and to observe tide times as well as any notices about currents.

Speaking about the lifeguards arrival on beaches, Giordano Ceccarelli, Lifeguard Supervisor, said: ‘We’re excited to welcome the public to the RNLI’s lifeguard patrolled beaches in Scotland. The warmer weather always attracts more people keen to cool off in the water and we’re happy to be able to help ensure people’s safety. We urge people to stay safe by swimming between the red and yellow flags, and to remember that whilst the air temperature is higher the water does remain very cold throughout the year. If you get into trouble remember our advice to float on your back until cold water shock passes and then call for help.’

https://www.respectthewater.com/

Notes to Editors:

To arrange an interview with an RNLI lifeguard team or a media event at an RNLI beach please contact Gemma McDonald using the below information.

The job of RNLI lifeguards is to provide a safe environment on the beach and to promote safe behaviour so that visitors can enjoy their day and return home safe at the end of it.

Over 249 beaches are patrolled across the UK and Channel Islands by over 1500 RNLI lifeguards. In 2017 RNLI lifeguards responded to 15,558 incidents and aided 24,044 people (UK and Channel Islands). RNLI lifeguard costs are supported by local authorities and beach owners as well as donations to the RNLI.

Dates for Scottish RNLI lifeguard patrolled beaches:

Aberdour Silver Sands - 26th May – 30th September

Burntisland, Leven, St Andrews East Sands, St Andrews West Sands and Elie Harbour - 23rd June – 27th August

Coldingham Bay – 26th May – 2nd September

RNLI media contacts

Gemma McDonald, RNLI Regional Media Officer for Scotland, 01738 642956, 07826 900639, [email protected]

Henry Weaver, RNLI Regional Media Manager for Scotland, 01738 642986, 07771 943026, [email protected]

RNLI Press Office, 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 142,700 lives.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter 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.