RNLI Lifeguards set to return to beaches in the North West

New data from the RNLI reveals lifeguards in 2022 patrolling within the Sefton and Wirral Council areas saved 5 lives, aided over 1,000 people and responded to nearly 800 incidents.

 

The RNLI, in partnership with Sefton and Wirral Councils, will carry out their usual lifeguard service this year across the region in its standard phased approach. The first beaches will go on service from Saturday 1 April, ahead of the Easter holidays. They join Crosby beach which is patrolled 365 days of the year. Patrols will gradually increase on other beaches through the season until the peak school summer holidays.

 

Setting up a lifeguard service each season for the Council, or in the case of Formby beach the National Trust, involves several different elements including recruiting and training lifeguards and organising the logistics to deliver equipment and in some cases lifeguard units to each beach.

 

Before a lifeguard sets foot on a beach, they take part in weeks of training. From a rigorous fitness test to learning vital casualty care skills, it takes a lot of hard work, dedication and commitment in order to save lives at the beach.

 

As well as rescuing those in trouble in the water, RNLI lifeguards have to deal with multiple lost children, minor first aids including cuts and stings, major first aids including fractures and critical illnesses and provide safety advice to beach goers to ensure they enjoyed their day at the beach as safely as possible.

 

Andy Jordan, Lead Lifeguard Supervisor for Sefton, said:

 

‘RNLI lifeguards are at the forefront of the charity’s lifesaving work, as they keep beach visitors safe. Last year’s figures show the importance of our lifeguards and what they do for the public, we are expecting coastal areas to be just as busy in the summer season ahead.

 

‘The RNLI has been working closely with Councils, local communities and in the case of Formby beach the National Trust, to ensure the beaches and lifeguard units are ready and equipped, and that lifeguard training has been performed seamlessly.

 

‘Pre-season preparations have gone well and our lifeguards are looking forward to getting back on the beaches and doing what they do best; offering preventative safety advice to visitors and rescuing those in difficulty in the water or on the beach itself.

 

‘However, it is important to remember that our lifeguards can’t be everywhere. Our lifeguards will be supported by the charity’s 24/7 lifeboat service and water safety work, but we urge anyone visiting the coast to take responsibility for themselves and their family this summer.’

Sefton and Wirral Councils invest each year in keeping their beach visitors safe by contributing to RNLI costs, which helps to meet lifeguard wages, while the extensive training and equipment needed is provided by the charity through public donations. RNLI lifeguards work alongside other emergency services and teams integral to an enjoyable visit to the beach, such as the Council Seafront managers and beach warden teams.

 

 

Find your nearest at www.rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeguarded-beaches

 

The RNLI is urging anyone visiting the coast this summer to make sure they keep themselves and their families safe by following their beach safety advice.

• Visit a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags.

• Check the weather forecast, tide times and read local hazard signage to understand local risks.

• For activities like paddleboarding or kayaking we recommend you wear a wetsuit, buoyancy aid or lifejacket and carry a means of calling for help in a waterproof pouch and keep it on you. Tell someone what you are doing, where you are going and when you expect to return.

• If you are going open water swimming, use a wetsuit to keep you warm, wear a bright coloured swim hat and take a tow float to store personal items including a phone for emergencies
• If you fall into the water unexpectedly, FLOAT TO LIVE. Fight your instinct to thrash around, lean back, extend your arms and legs, and Float.
• In an emergency dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

 

If you are interested in working on the beach this summer, there are still lifeguard positions available. You will receive world-class lifesaving training, enjoy good rates of pay, the possibility of flexible working patterns and develop valuable skills for their future career. Find out more about becoming a lifeguard at rnli.org/BeALifeguard.

 

ENDS

 

Notes to editors:

• Beaches that will have patrol from 1^st April include Ainsdale, Southport and Formby in Sefton. West Kirby, Moreton, Harrison Drive, The Plateaux and New Brighton (Perch Rock) in the Wirral
• Photo credits Lifeguard and flag on beach: RNLI/David Edwards; Lifeguard changing duty sign: RNLI/Nigel Millard

 

 

RNLI media contacts

For more information please contact Claire Elshaw, Regional Media Officer on [email protected] or 07468 353082

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.

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