RNLI Beach Lifeguards Return to Littlehampton
News Release from RNLI
The Royal National Lifeboat Institute (RNLI) are working in tandem with Arun District Council to prepare for another busy beach season with RNLI lifeguards returning to Littlehampton East beach from 29 April.
The lifeguards will be patrolling at East Beach for weekends and Bank Holidays only from 29 April - 8 May, 10am - 6pm and then daily from 13 May - 3 September 10am - 6pm.
Littlehampton West Beach will be open daily from 13 May - 3 September from 10am - 6pm.
The RNLI work in partnership with Arun District Council to set up and provide a lifeguarding service for beaches in the region each year. Setting up a lifeguarding service is a busy process which includes the recruitment and training of lifeguards as well as coordinating the logistics of equipment and lifeguard unit deliveries to beaches across the region.
It takes a vast amount of commitment and hard work to save lives at the beach, which is why all the RNLI’s lifeguards meet such high standards in training and performance.
Thomas Ward, Lead Lifeguard Supervisor for Camber Central, said: ‘We put our lifeguards through extensive and in-depth training before the season begins, preparing them for the busy summer ahead. Our lifeguards’ complete months of demanding physical fitness tests, specialist equipment and vehicle training and vital casualty care training, before they are deployed to protect the area’s beachgoers.’
The role of a RNLI lifeguard is fast-paced and diverse. As well as rescuing those in trouble in the water, RNLI lifeguards must deal with an array of other beach safety matters such as lost children, minor first aid like stings and cuts, critical illnesses and injury response and providing safety advice so beachgoers can enjoy their time a safe and respectful manner.
‘Of course, all this training prepares our team for every eventuality, but we also want members of the public to ensure they are doing everything they can to stay safe at the beach this summer. As the weather begins to warm up and our beaches start reopening, please do make sure you pay strong attention to our safety messages to ensure you enjoy your visit safely.’ Thomas added.
Philippa Dart, Director of Environment and Climate Change at Arun District Council stated: ‘The partnership between Arun District Council and the RNLI continues to grow and we welcome the return of RNLI Lifeguards for the 2023 season. The Lifeguards play a vital role in keeping our visitors safe whilst work closely with council services to provide beach goers with a top-quality experience.’
To keep safe when visiting the coast this April and beyond, the RNLI is urging people to follow their beach safety advice:
- Visit a lifeguarded beach and only swim between the red and yellow flags.
- Check the weather forecast and tide times and read any local hazard signage to understand local risks.
- Be aware of cold-water shock in the lead up to summer. Although the outside temperature may be warming up, it takes a while for the sea temperature to follow. Make sure you acclimatise to the temperature slowly.
- When taking part in activities like paddleboarding or kayaking the RNLI recommends wearing a wetsuit, buoyancy aid or lifejacket and carrying a means of calling for help in a waterproof pouch that is kept on your person.
- 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 your phone for emergencies.
- If you get into trouble in the water or fall in unexpectedly, FLOAT TO LIVE. Fight the instinct to thrash around, lean back, extend your arms and legs, and float.
- In an emergency dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
To find your nearest RNLI lifeguarded beach please visit: https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeguarded-beaches .
If you are interested in becoming an RNLI lifeguard this summer, there are still 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 your future career. Find out more about becoming an RNLI beach lifeguard at: rnli.org/BeALifeguard .